N.C. rescue cat garners national attention for resemblance to Baby Yoda

ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. (WBTV) - A cat that was found by a volunteer at the Humane Society of Rowan County has garnered national attention for her striking resemblance to the Star Wars character “Baby Yoda.”

According to the Facebook page for “Baby Yoda Cat,” the volunteer brought the cat to Cabarrus Animal Hospital on Dec. 15.

The cat’s name is Joy and she was previously under medical supervision of Dr. Alisha Kidwell DVM, and is being fostered by Cabarrus Animal Hospital employee, Jana Aviles.

On Dec. 27, the Humane Society of Rowan County posted on Facebook that Joy was released to a person claiming ownership. However the humane society says this happened without their knowledge or consent.

“We wish we could provide more details but are unable to at this time. We pray that Joy, still with unhealed wounds and not fully recovered, will be given proper medical care and make a full recovery,” the Facebook post read.

According to WBTV’s news partners at Spectrum News, the Cabarrus County Animal Shelter and Control (CCASC) says the owner reached out to the CCASC, who were reportedly able to verify ownership based on prior information in their system from when the cat was picked up as a stray in March 2017.

Following the verification process, CCASC officials say Joy was returned to her owner and is receiving medical care at the vet, according to Spectrum News.

Joy was being treated for a deep wound around her neck, as well as an upper respiratory infection. A post on the Facebook page says that Joy also came in with some hair loss due to previous wounds, fleas and intestinal parasites.

“Baby Yoda Cat may have a long road to recovery, so please follow this page for updates!,” the post read.

The cat grabbed the attention of national media outlets as she was recently featured on Good Morning America.

“Baby Yoda Cat plans to be a spokes kitty for all of the homeless animals around the world that are being euthanized in animal shelters due to lack of homes,” the Facebook post read.”

Jane Hartness from the Humane Society of Rowan County says Joy’s recovery will be expensive and if you would like to donate to the recovery fund you can mail donations to the Humane Society of Rowan County at PO Box 295, Salisbury, NC 28145. The Humane Society asks that you put a note that the money is for Joy. Also, if you’re okay with the money going to another animal’s recovery, please put that in a note.

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