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5 Year Old Dresses Up To Help Homeless Cats, Thinks He’s A Superhero To Them
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5 Year Old Dresses Up To Help Homeless Cats, Thinks He’s A Superhero To Them

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We all need a hero, and cats, especially street cats, are no exception. Enter 5 year old Shon Griffin from Philadelphia. “We call him Catman,” his aunt Kris Papiernik told ABC news.

Aunty Kris and her fiancée have been involved in cat rescues and fostering for many years, and had recently taken to looking after a local group they named the Kolony Kats. One cat, Bug, would just not cooperate when it came to getting shots and being neutered. “Nothing we tried worked,” Aunty Kris said. However she had noticed that her nephew Shon had formed an instant bond with the cats so she let him help out.  “The cats took to him right away. Bug came right over to Shon, rubbed against his legs and allowed him to pet him.”

From that day on, Shon was Catman. He regularly visits his aunt and the Kat Kolony, dressed in his favourite superhero outfit, feeding and petting the cats and helping solve any problems that might arise. The cats are drawn to him, even the most unfriendly ones are unable to resist his charms. “He’d scratch their bellies and scratch their heads. It was amazing to see these cats who wouldn’t even allow us to touch them, but immediately took to him. He must have this magical effect that the cats can pick up,” Aunty Kris told The Dodo.

So cats, if you find yourself alone on the streets of Philly, cold, hungry and on heat with bugs in your fur, who ya gonna call? That’s right, Catman!

(h/t The Dodo)

This is 5 year old Shon Griffin from Philadelphia. “We call him Catman,” says his aunt Kris Papiernik

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Aunty Kris and her fiancée had recently taken to looking after a local group of street cats which they named the ‘Kolony Kats’

One cat, Bug, would just not cooperate until Catman arrived on the scene. “Bug came right over to Shon, rubbed against his legs and allowed him to pet him”

From that day on, Shon was Catman. He regularly visits, dressed in his favourite superhero outfit, feeding the cats and helping solve any problems

The cats are drawn to him, even the most unfriendly ones are unable to resist his charms

“He must have this magical effect that the cats can pick up”

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So cats, if you find yourself alone on the streets of Philly, cold, hungry and on heat with bugs in your fur, who ya gonna call? That’s right, Catman!

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The internet reacted with love for Catman

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daracey avatar
Brenda Starr
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a great aunt and her boyfriend to have shown him such a good lesson and to have encouraged him.

auroradarc avatar
Marion Capriotti
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Exactly right, except the aunt has a fiancee (two ee's), so maybe it's her girlfriend. (The male version has one "e.")

Load More Replies...
aurelia-grey avatar
Aurelia Grey
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Smiling so much I believe my ears are going to fall off my head. Thank You for sharing an amazing young Shon, the cats, and your guidance. I'm moved beyond words. Thank You So Very Much. Thank You.

dopethronepunkuk avatar
DopethronePunkUk
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...and that last photo of him sleeping after a hard day of helping this cats, so much love and respect for little dude, what a boy!.

dopethronepunkuk avatar
DopethronePunkUk
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a absolute little hero, what he does for those cats is amazing. I have so much love and respect for what this little dude does, i take my hat off to him. The world needs more kids like this, i wish i could of been him at his age.

conowickte101 avatar
Joe Mcgillicuddy
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Right now I have 4 feral's living in my backyard. at one time I had 12. I don't know where the other's went to but once in a while most of them show back up. And they do look like they are eating well. I've managed to trap about half of them and had them fixed, Thanks to the Arizona Animal Defense League. I also brought in 2 kittens last Sept. and now they are about 14 months old .Both are tuxedos. Brother and sister. I've managed to find homes for all the kittens so far but for 2. They are solid black, and I just don't get why people don't care for black cats. One has a medium coat and orangish green eyes and he is a beauty, his sister is a short hair, she is kind of scared of humans but sometimes she does let me pet her and scratch her. She is slowly getting used to being brushed. Since she is so shy I'm sure no one would ever want her so she has a permanent home with me.My 8-23-17-Po...fbeda6.jpg 8-23-17-Poppys-baby-009-59ef6aafbeda6.jpg

elesbian avatar
Elina Kuusisto
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you for taking care of them, Joe! I'm trying to take care of one feral kitty right now and it's a commitment to be sure!

Load More Replies...
jazzymcsquishy-buggs avatar
Jazzy McSquishy-Buggs
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Someone needs to get him a specially made costume that has CM on it. Seriously.

mhiller017 avatar
Mhiller17
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ahh this is so cute! I feed a cat that looks exactly like the cat in the tenth pic! We named him Mango ❤️

mebeka avatar
Rebekah
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm reading along thinking: what a great kid! Then I stopped at the 3rd pic with Shon and the black cat. That cat loves him. Look at that look he's giving. That is seriously love. What a wonderful, special kid. I want to send him costumes.

meghana-mopidevi avatar
Megan
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a precious little soul!!!! I say we need more people like him in the world

annagsalerno avatar
Anna Salerno
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This little Shon is a super hero and looks like he'd make a great Vet when he grows up. This is so special to make the homeless cats feel loved and full with good food. Shon you are my hero for doing this. Keep up the great work!

sassybooie avatar
Meeow
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why this article don't have their Facebook or Instagram page?

sassybooie avatar
Meeow
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To help Shon and his aunts continue feeding and providing medical attention to the street cats of Philadelphia, you can make a donation to their mission. https://www.gofundme.com/kolonykats

Load More Replies...
tbark8_tj avatar
Terry Jensen
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this young man is one in a million these days and to keep him interested in showing his companion to the helpless is something to be very special indeed. I hope he continues this passion in his life and if he does he will be an addition to our world that will priceless. I thank you to his parents for showing him the right path and giving him such GREAT guidance for his future....this boy is very very special in this day and age...gives us older folk hope for the future when we see young people like this...God Bless him!!!!

priscillasadler avatar
Priscilla Sadler
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Such an amazing person. I hope he continues this throughout his life. AMAZING SHON

fkp82993 avatar
Kathy Presnell
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Shon, YOU ARE A SUPERHERO!! What a Wonderful little boy!! Keep up the Fantastic work!

pun-in-wunderland avatar
Pi...
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've never wanted a son...till I saw this kid! He takes after my own heart.

pacerthree avatar
Pacer Three
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

my favorite Bored panda story ever! what an amazing little man! he is a hero!

vanessicabloxgirl avatar
Vanessica Bloxgirl
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Title says he thinks he's a superhero to the cats, It should be, he IS a superhero to cats

daracey avatar
Brenda Starr
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a great aunt and her boyfriend to have shown him such a good lesson and to have encouraged him.

auroradarc avatar
Marion Capriotti
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Exactly right, except the aunt has a fiancee (two ee's), so maybe it's her girlfriend. (The male version has one "e.")

Load More Replies...
aurelia-grey avatar
Aurelia Grey
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Smiling so much I believe my ears are going to fall off my head. Thank You for sharing an amazing young Shon, the cats, and your guidance. I'm moved beyond words. Thank You So Very Much. Thank You.

dopethronepunkuk avatar
DopethronePunkUk
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...and that last photo of him sleeping after a hard day of helping this cats, so much love and respect for little dude, what a boy!.

dopethronepunkuk avatar
DopethronePunkUk
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a absolute little hero, what he does for those cats is amazing. I have so much love and respect for what this little dude does, i take my hat off to him. The world needs more kids like this, i wish i could of been him at his age.

conowickte101 avatar
Joe Mcgillicuddy
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Right now I have 4 feral's living in my backyard. at one time I had 12. I don't know where the other's went to but once in a while most of them show back up. And they do look like they are eating well. I've managed to trap about half of them and had them fixed, Thanks to the Arizona Animal Defense League. I also brought in 2 kittens last Sept. and now they are about 14 months old .Both are tuxedos. Brother and sister. I've managed to find homes for all the kittens so far but for 2. They are solid black, and I just don't get why people don't care for black cats. One has a medium coat and orangish green eyes and he is a beauty, his sister is a short hair, she is kind of scared of humans but sometimes she does let me pet her and scratch her. She is slowly getting used to being brushed. Since she is so shy I'm sure no one would ever want her so she has a permanent home with me.My 8-23-17-Po...fbeda6.jpg 8-23-17-Poppys-baby-009-59ef6aafbeda6.jpg

elesbian avatar
Elina Kuusisto
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you for taking care of them, Joe! I'm trying to take care of one feral kitty right now and it's a commitment to be sure!

Load More Replies...
jazzymcsquishy-buggs avatar
Jazzy McSquishy-Buggs
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Someone needs to get him a specially made costume that has CM on it. Seriously.

mhiller017 avatar
Mhiller17
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ahh this is so cute! I feed a cat that looks exactly like the cat in the tenth pic! We named him Mango ❤️

mebeka avatar
Rebekah
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm reading along thinking: what a great kid! Then I stopped at the 3rd pic with Shon and the black cat. That cat loves him. Look at that look he's giving. That is seriously love. What a wonderful, special kid. I want to send him costumes.

meghana-mopidevi avatar
Megan
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a precious little soul!!!! I say we need more people like him in the world

annagsalerno avatar
Anna Salerno
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This little Shon is a super hero and looks like he'd make a great Vet when he grows up. This is so special to make the homeless cats feel loved and full with good food. Shon you are my hero for doing this. Keep up the great work!

sassybooie avatar
Meeow
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why this article don't have their Facebook or Instagram page?

sassybooie avatar
Meeow
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To help Shon and his aunts continue feeding and providing medical attention to the street cats of Philadelphia, you can make a donation to their mission. https://www.gofundme.com/kolonykats

Load More Replies...
tbark8_tj avatar
Terry Jensen
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this young man is one in a million these days and to keep him interested in showing his companion to the helpless is something to be very special indeed. I hope he continues this passion in his life and if he does he will be an addition to our world that will priceless. I thank you to his parents for showing him the right path and giving him such GREAT guidance for his future....this boy is very very special in this day and age...gives us older folk hope for the future when we see young people like this...God Bless him!!!!

priscillasadler avatar
Priscilla Sadler
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Such an amazing person. I hope he continues this throughout his life. AMAZING SHON

fkp82993 avatar
Kathy Presnell
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Shon, YOU ARE A SUPERHERO!! What a Wonderful little boy!! Keep up the Fantastic work!

pun-in-wunderland avatar
Pi...
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've never wanted a son...till I saw this kid! He takes after my own heart.

pacerthree avatar
Pacer Three
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

my favorite Bored panda story ever! what an amazing little man! he is a hero!

vanessicabloxgirl avatar
Vanessica Bloxgirl
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Title says he thinks he's a superhero to the cats, It should be, he IS a superhero to cats

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