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

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(h/t The Dodo)

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

    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”

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    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

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

    ADVERTISEMENT

    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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    Ilona Baliūnaitė

    Ilona Baliūnaitė

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    Read more »

    I'm a Visual Editor at Bored Panda since 2017. I've searched through a multitude of images to create over 2000 diverse posts on a wide range of topics. I love memes, funny, and cute stuff, but I'm also into social issues topics. Despite my background in communication, my heart belongs to visual media, especially photography. When I'm not at my desk, you're likely to find me in the streets with my camera, checking out cool exhibitions, watching a movie at the cinema or just chilling with a coffee in a cozy place

    Read less »
    Ilona Baliūnaitė

    Ilona Baliūnaitė

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    I'm a Visual Editor at Bored Panda since 2017. I've searched through a multitude of images to create over 2000 diverse posts on a wide range of topics. I love memes, funny, and cute stuff, but I'm also into social issues topics. Despite my background in communication, my heart belongs to visual media, especially photography. When I'm not at my desk, you're likely to find me in the streets with my camera, checking out cool exhibitions, watching a movie at the cinema or just chilling with a coffee in a cozy place

    What do you think ?
    Brenda Starr
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created 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.

    Marion Capriotti
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created 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...
    Volker Burmester
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He doesn't just think he's a superhero, he IS one!

    Aurelia Grey
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created 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.

    Some Body
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh my god this is so precious

    Isabelle Zomer
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love this kid! Wish all kids were like him!

    arianna kalal
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow he is so cute and so are the cats awwwwww

    DopethronePunkUk
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created 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!.

    Verbena
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    On pizza sheets no less. With a fierce Calico on guard. Cool stuff

    Load More Replies...
    DopethronePunkUk
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created 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.

    Joe Mcgillicuddy
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created 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

    Elina Kuusisto
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created 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...
    Jazzy McSquishy-Buggs
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created 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.

    Mhiller17
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created 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 ❤️

    Rebekah
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created 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.

    Pedro Hasashi
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lovely, God bless him. We need more ppl like him.

    Megan
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created 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

    Say it With Socks
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He definitely is a a super hero to them!

    Anna Salerno
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created 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!

    Wombat34
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not 'thinks'. He is a superhero to them, and to me.

    Markus McCloud
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Truer words have never been spoken, Zzirg. :)

    Terry Jensen
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created 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!!!!

    Priscilla Sadler
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

    Annette Whitman
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love you that you love the kittys Shon

    spirit wolf
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This boy is going straight to heaven...

    Lisa
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This makes me so happy

    Kathy Presnell
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created 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!

    Sansa Blacktyde
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What an adorable little cat whisperer!! Parenting done right :)

    Megan
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The world definitely needs more people like Shon!!

    Melissa Nunya
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Feel like a superhero? He is a superhero :)

    DaisyAppreciation
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is the most amazing thing I've seen all day

    Usernameofgag
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He is the hero we deserve... He will become a great man

    Socially Awkward
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This kid doesn't just think he's a superhero, he is one!

    Pi...
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created 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.

    Pacer Three
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created 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!

    Vanessica Bloxgirl
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created 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

    Brenda Starr
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created 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.

    Marion Capriotti
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created 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...
    Volker Burmester
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He doesn't just think he's a superhero, he IS one!

    Aurelia Grey
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created 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.

    Some Body
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh my god this is so precious

    Isabelle Zomer
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love this kid! Wish all kids were like him!

    arianna kalal
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow he is so cute and so are the cats awwwwww

    DopethronePunkUk
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created 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!.

    Verbena
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    On pizza sheets no less. With a fierce Calico on guard. Cool stuff

    Load More Replies...
    DopethronePunkUk
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created 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.

    Joe Mcgillicuddy
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created 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

    Elina Kuusisto
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created 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...
    Jazzy McSquishy-Buggs
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created 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.

    Mhiller17
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created 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 ❤️

    Rebekah
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created 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.

    Pedro Hasashi
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lovely, God bless him. We need more ppl like him.

    Megan
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created 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

    Say it With Socks
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He definitely is a a super hero to them!

    Anna Salerno
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created 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!

    Wombat34
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not 'thinks'. He is a superhero to them, and to me.

    Markus McCloud
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Truer words have never been spoken, Zzirg. :)

    Terry Jensen
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created 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!!!!

    Priscilla Sadler
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

    Annette Whitman
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love you that you love the kittys Shon

    spirit wolf
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This boy is going straight to heaven...

    Lisa
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This makes me so happy

    Kathy Presnell
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created 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!

    Sansa Blacktyde
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What an adorable little cat whisperer!! Parenting done right :)

    Megan
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The world definitely needs more people like Shon!!

    Melissa Nunya
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Feel like a superhero? He is a superhero :)

    DaisyAppreciation
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is the most amazing thing I've seen all day

    Usernameofgag
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He is the hero we deserve... He will become a great man

    Socially Awkward
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This kid doesn't just think he's a superhero, he is one!

    Pi...
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created 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.

    Pacer Three
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created 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!

    Vanessica Bloxgirl
    Community Member
    8 years ago Created 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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