In Wake of Deadly Tornado That Destroyed Tennessee Home, 16-Year-Old Cat Found Alive

Nashville resident Erica Williams’s keen eye led to the discovery of a 16-year-old cat that survived an outbreak of tornadoes in Middle Tennessee on Saturday.

Williams saw on Facebook that a friend was live-streaming from Madison, a Nashville suburb where there people died in the storm, when something caught her eye: an animal hidden in the rubble, she told The Messenger. It turned out to be Sandy, an elderly cat whose owners were away and unaware their home was damaged in the storm. 

“I was like like, there's a cat right there," she said. "Oh my gosh, that poor baby. Is it alive? ... I just kind of panicked at that point."

Her friend went back to the destroyed home where he discovered Sandy, who was alive but barely breathing. Williams rushed the feline to an emergency vet. 

Williams said Sandy wasn't moving very well and appeared to have issues with his hind legs. His breathing was labored and he seemed disoriented.

Williams was also able to reach Sandy’s owner, Abi Wells, who was out of town in Pigeon Forge, about 218 miles away. Wells didn’t know Saturday’s tornadoes destroyed her home or injured her cat.  

Sandy experienced neurological issues, Williams said, but didn't know more details. The cat was treated at Livewell Animal Urgent Care of East Nashville, where people can donate to Sandy’s care. Sandy went home to his family this week.  

This isn’t the first time Williams rescued an animal in need after twisters struck Tennessee. After the deadly 2020 tornado in Nashville, Williams discovered a dog trapped underneath a shed to which it had been chained.

She urged people to step outside and listen after natural disasters in case they hear an animal crying or person yelling for help.

“As an animal lover and an animal owner, this is my purpose," she said. "I’m just fortunate that, in my eyes, God has chosen me to be able to help and find these animals."