Hiro, Catmandu’s Cat of the Week, has a special story that reminds us just how connected we all are—not just to the animals we love, but to each other.
Hiro first came to us in May 2021 as a 6-month-old kitten, battered but not broken. First abandoned and then attacked by a dog, he arrived injured, frightened, ill, and needing lots of TLC.
The adorable long-haired Munchkin had every reason to be wary of the world. But that’s not Hiro. As he healed, his personality began to shine—gentle, affectionate, brave, and quietly charming. It didn’t take long for him to become a favorite among staff and volunteers.
By September of that same year, Hiro found what we hoped would be his forever home. His adopter was devoted—she worked from home and rarely left his side. The two formed a deep bond, moving together through life’s changes until they eventually settled in Austin, Texas.
But life has a way of shifting. Changes in work and routine meant she was away far more than she was home, Hiro was suddenly spending long stretches alone, and it wasn’t the life he deserved. He wasn’t just a pet—he was deeply bonded and needed companionship. His owner, heartbroken but determined to do right by him, reached out to us. With no suitable adopters found locally, she was preparing to surrender him to a shelter in Austin—nearly 1,400 miles away from where his journey with us began.
We knew we had to somehow get him back.
A call for help went out on Facebook, and the response was immediate and overwhelming. Offers poured in from people willing to transport, coordinate, or simply cheer Hiro on. Then came Don and his wife, Lynsey. Still grieving the recent loss of their beloved cat, Snowball, they offered to travel to Austin bring Hiro home in honor of his memory.
What followed was a whirlwind of coordination, messages, and logistics—but in less than a week, everything fell into place. Lynsey flew to Austin, stayed overnight, and the next day began the journey back with Hiro.
Through it all, Hiro was exactly who we remembered—calm, trusting, and endlessly sweet. He handled the travel like a seasoned pro.
Somewhere between the hotel stay and the long trip home, something unexpected happened: Hiro and Lynsey fell for each other.
By the time they arrived at Catmandu, it was clear this was more than a transport mission. As Lynsey put it, Hiro “filled a hole I didn’t know was there.” After plenty of conversation and careful consideration, it was easy to see they were the purrfect home for him.
Today, Hiro is settling beautifully into his new life. Lynsey is home most of the time, giving him the companionship he craves, and his two new feline siblings are already learning to appreciate their easygoing new housemate. True to form, Hiro is taking it all in his Munchkin-sized stride and winning the hearts of everyone he meets .
Hiro may not be available for adoption, but he is, without question, our Cat of the Week. His journey is a testament to resilience, to love that puts an animal’s needs first, and to the incredible kindness of strangers who stepped up to help.
To everyone who offered help, encouragement, and support along the way: thank you. Hiro’s journey home wouldn’t have been possible without you. And to Hiro, you are the proof that sometimes, the longest journeys lead exactly where you’re meant to be.
Catmandu is a cage-free sanctuary and rescue located at 1829 Brown St. We are a 501c3 non-profit that receives no government support, relying on donations to help homeless and at-risk cats in our area. We are open to the public Friday through Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm.
