One Rescued Kitten, Many More Lost

In Brief:

A string of kitten sightings and losses on Shalimar Bridge has raised alarms with animal advocates in Okaloosa County. One kitten, Lorelei, was rescued — but several others weren’t as lucky. Rescuers say the growing crisis signals deeper issues with local animal control policies and a lack of affordable spay and neuter options.

When a Good Samaritan spotted a tiny kitten clinging to the edge of the Shalimar Bridge, she knew she had to act fast.

“I was praying and praying,” she said. When traffic cleared for a moment, she ran across the bridge, wrapped the frightened kitten in a towel, and brought her to Save Our Cats and Kittens (SOCKS), a local animal rescue group.

That kitten, now named Lorelei, is recovering with her new adopter.

But Lorelei is the exception.

According to animal advocates and eyewitnesses, she’s the only known survivor among at least eight kittens spotted near major roadways and bridges in recent weeks. Several young cats have been found lifeless along Eglin Parkway and the Cinco Bayou Bridge, with reports stretching back through early May.

Another kitten, nicknamed Parkour, was saved after jumping from the top of Brooks Bridge into the water. He is now safe in a foster home through SOCKS.

The trend is deeply concerning to rescuers.

A witness reported seeing multiple kittens found in distress along Eglin Parkway between South Avenue and Hughes Avenue on May 28. Social media users have also shared posts about stray kittens darting across Highway 85 near the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport.

I don’t feel very good right now,” said the woman who saved Lorelei after finding another kitten lifeless at the base of the Shalimar Bridge on June 5. “My heart is broken every time I drive by and see this. I’m very sensitive about kitties.”

Local animal welfare advocates believe the rise in kitten losses is more than just bad luck. They argue the county’s outdated trap-neuter-return (TNR) policies and limited access to affordable spay/neuter services are fueling the problem.

“There will continue to be more homeless kittens unless Okaloosa County makes real changes,” said a representative from SOCKS.

Feral cat colonies are known to form near bridges and waterfront areas, where food scraps are common. But some rescuers say it’s unusual for kittens to appear on top of high-traffic bridges or major roadways.

The cause behind the incidents isn’t clear — but SOCKS wants answers and is asking for help from the public.

“If you’ve seen anything suspicious or have security footage near these areas, please reach out,” said SOCKS. “We need help understanding what’s happening.”

Residents or business owners with information are encouraged to contact lorraine@saveourcatsandkittens.com.