Kitten in viral NYC subway video gets a new home

Kitten in viral NYC subway video gets a new home
By: Mashable Posted On: July 30, 2025 View: 13

The magic of the New York City subway system is that it can take you anywhere, any time of day. Even a new home, it seems. At least that was the case for a lost kitten turned viral sensation.

You might've seen the now-famous kitty on TikTok, originally posted by @Pocahontae. The kitten, seemingly a stray, wandered onto the subway at the 110th Street Station as if it were commuting to work. The post from @Pocahontae, given name Shaquantae McGee, has racked up some eight million views on TikTok.

The video shows a person safely scooping up the kitten as subway passengers wonder what to do.

"The woman got off at the next stop with the cat," McGee told local station 6ABC. "Everyone was in shock and panic."

Mashable Trend Report
Decode what’s viral, what’s next, and what it all means.
Sign up for Mashable’s weekly Trend Report newsletter.
By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!

But this story apparently has a happy ending. The commuter who scooped up the kitty told The Today Show that she has adopted the kitten and named her Emmie, in honor of NYC's MTA.

The rider's name is Betsaida Mercado. She posted an update on TikTok, stitched with the original video.

"I've never had a cat before, but she is so precious, I love her," Mercado said in the TikTok. Mercado's page is now full of heartwarming Emmie updates, including all the gifts sent her way, her new sibling (a dog), and her trip to the vet.

So what likely started out as a stressful ride for Emmie has now turned into a safe, loving home — and life as a viral star.

Read this on Mashable
  Contact Us
  • Bootjack Ca.
  • info@mariposafire.com
  Follow Us
Site Map
Get Site Map
  About

MariposaFire, is a Mountain community Fire information page . We aren't endorsed or part of County Fire or any Government Entity.