On a rainy spring day in Missouri, a routine walk turned into a dramatic rescue after a volunteer with Stray Rescue of St. Louis (SRSL) noticed something strange on the shelter’s property — a cardboard box, sealed shut with tape, sitting in the rain.
“There were no holes, no way to see what was inside,” said Natalie Thomson, SRSL’s chief communications officer. “It was completely taped up.”
As the volunteer approached, they spotted a handwritten note stuck to the top. What it said made their heart drop.
“Found [two] strays. They are about 4-5 months old. Sorry for just dropping them off, but I can’t keep them due to my apartment not allowing pets.”
Whoever had left the box hadn’t stayed — and worse, they’d taped it shut so tightly there was no airflow. The team feared the worst.
“The lack of ventilation was dangerous,” Thomson said. “We rushed the box inside, desperate to open it quickly and hoping we weren’t too late.”
To everyone’s immense relief, as soon as the box was opened, two wide-eyed cats sprang out — alive, alert, and eager for freedom.
“They were instantly sweet and affectionate,” Thomson recalled. “They seemed more relieved than scared.”
The young male cats, around 7 months old, were affectionately named Amazon and Prime — a nod to their cardboard delivery-style arrival. Thankfully, both were healthy and unharmed, despite their traumatic experience.
The pair were quickly placed into a foster home together, where they’ve been adjusting beautifully to indoor life.
“They’re doing great,” Thomson said. “They’re playful, curious, and learning what it means to feel safe.”
While SRSL staff were heartbroken by the manner of their abandonment, they’re focusing on the positive: the cats were found in time, and now have the chance to find loving forever homes.
Amazon and Prime are officially available for adoption, and their rescuers hope someone will give them the gentle, secure life they’ve always deserved.
To adopt Amazon and/or Prime, you can fill out an application here.
To help more animals like them, consider donating to Stray Rescue of St. Louis here.
