Homeless Kitten Realizes He Is Destined To Be A Surfer

Jul 03, 2019 by apost team

Pip the Beach Cat was just a small, sickly kitten when he showed up on a stranger’s doorstep in Berlin, Maryland. He arrived shortly after a thunderstorm, which may have been a hint that he is fearless when he is around water. Most cats hate water, but it would be apparent soon that Pip actually enjoyed it.

Pip was able to hook up with a kind grandmother who was currently house-sitting for a member of her family. While she began to feed the small kitten, the family couldn’t take him when they came back home. Because of this, Laura Meadows, who is a friend of the family and also a student in high school, volunteered to take the cat. However, she had not discussed it with her family first, and they did not want to take on the responsibility. So Emily Meadows, her older sister, decided to take him in instead, after learning the nearby shelters were full. This is where the whole story begins.

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Meadows knew that Pip was a special cat. However, he was also quite sick in the beginning. He was very dirty and had swollen eyes. They even thought he could be deaf, but a thorough ear cleaning by the local vet proved that to be completely untrue.

Once the little kitten was healthy again he turned into an energetic troublemaker. He would spend his days knocking over glasses, climbing on window screens, and scattering his food all over the floor. He also terrorized Natty and Mowgli, his new feline siblings. He would often annoy the two cats as they rested in the sun.

Pip also preferred using the nearby houseplants as a litter box. Emily and her husband were starting to get frustrated with his antics. They decided that maybe Pip needed to go outside for a walk to burn off some of that frantic energy.

Since the couple lives in Ocean City, Maryland, they thought that a walk on the beach could help Pip. They were right! Pip eagerly started to dig in the sand, chase seagull feathers, and hide under beach chairs. He played with beach toys and batted around shells in the sand. He also took a nap in the warm sun with his humans. It quickly became apparent that Pip was going to be a regular beachgoer!

Emily allowed Pip to explore the water one day when the waves were very calm. She said that the water did not bother the fearless cat at all. In fact, Emily put him on a boogie board, where he was able to “catch” a wave and ride it. When his board landed on the shore, Pip jumped off and just walked away nonchalantly. That was when they realized that he was really a unique cat!

Pip even likes to splash around in the shallow water. He turned out to be a very strong swimmer.

It was no surprise when tourists and locals began to take notice of this amazing cat who loved the water. A video of Pip enjoying the ocean made it to the local news station, who then contacted Emily and her family to ask if they could do a story on the fearless cat.

One problem that occurred from all of the attention was the fact that pets are not allowed on the beaches of Ocean City during peak seasons. Luckily, Pip was a good sport. He would always hide in the sand when he had to! However, Pip loved more than just the ocean and the beach. He also enjoyed the boardwalk, as you can see in the picture below.

The family also took him into the arcade and pet-friendly restaurants and bars. Pip was really getting around for a cat! Emily said that while Pip wasn’t always allowed at certain events, many businesses went out of their way to invite him onto their private property. She was also able to find a few pet-friendly beaches that allowed Pip to freely and legally roam.

You can see that Pip enjoys paddle boarding in the surf.

He will also ride around town in his favorite backpack. Pip has even taken a few trips out of his hometown. He has been to New York City and Savannah, Georgia.

He even volunteers at nearby nursing homes and reads to kids. Pip has even “written” and published his very own book. The book is about the places he loves to explore and his many adventures.

Emily decided that her family could use Pip to do something good for their community. They launched “The Little Pip Project,” which are stuffed animals that look just like Pip. For every stuffed Pip bought, the family donates one to a person in need. Little Pips are very popular in nursing homes, where many residents have not been around cats in many years.

Pip has had an amazing impact not only in their little community, but all over the world. Emily has received many emails and letters from fans who have stated that reading about the adventures of Pip has helped them through hard times.

Pip has even helped Emily overcome her fear of hospitals, nursing homes, and IVs. Having Pip along while they visit residents of local hospitals and nursing homes has helped her emotionally. She and her family have even started fostering kittens through an organization known as Town Cats of Ocean City. Pip enjoys playing with foster cats whenever they are in his home.

It may sound like a lot of activity for one cat. But Pip needs the stimulation to stay out of trouble. However, he does enjoy taking the occasional nap, just like any other cat!

What do you think about this story? Have you ever seen a cat that loves being in the water? Let us know in the comments and be sure to spread the word about Pip the beach cat!