Friendly Cat Survives Being Hit by Train on Long Island Railroad Tracks

Rescuers save 'Garfield' the orange tabby after he's spotted moving on the tracks a day later

Apr. 13, 2026 at 11:27pm

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An extremely blurred and abstracted photograph showing the soft, warm outline of a small orange cat curled up on a set of railroad tracks, with the blurred lights of a passing train visible in the background, conveying a sense of the cat's resilience and the care it has received.A miraculous feline survivor finds comfort and care after a harrowing encounter with a Long Island Railroad train.NYC Today

A friendly orange tabby cat miraculously survived being struck by a Long Island Railroad train and was rescued from the tracks thanks to a kind-hearted locomotive engineer and a crew of rescuers. The cat, later named 'Garfield' for his resemblance to the cartoon character, was first spotted lying on the tracks near the Lindenhurst station but was assumed dead. When the engineer noticed the cat moving on the tracks the next day, they called in a local cat rescuer and the MTA police to safely retrieve the feline.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the resilience of cats and the importance of vigilant railroad workers and animal rescuers in saving pets that find themselves in dangerous situations on train tracks. It also showcases the compassion of the local community in rallying to help the injured stray cat.

The details

On Saturday night, the train engineer first spotted the orange cat lying on the tracks near the Lindenhurst station but assumed it was dead. However, when the engineer noticed the cat moving on the tracks the following evening, they called in local cat rescuer John DeBacker, who then enlisted the help of the MTA Police Department. DeBacker and the officers slowly approached the cowering cat, caught him in a net, and lifted him into a crate. Despite having a wound on his face, the cat, later named 'Garfield', did not appear to be seriously injured and was described as 'extremely affectionate' once rescued.

  • On Saturday night, the train engineer first spotted the cat on the tracks near the Lindenhurst station.
  • On Sunday evening, the engineer noticed the cat was still on the tracks and moving.

The players

John DeBacker

A local cat rescuer who was called in to help retrieve the injured feline from the train tracks.

MTA Police Department

The police department that assisted DeBacker in safely removing the cat from the tracks.

South Shore Feral Care

The animal rescue organization that took in the cat, named 'Garfield', and is providing him with veterinary care.

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What they’re saying

“The scariest part for me was not knowing what was going through the cat's mind.”

— John DeBacker, Cat Rescuer

“He didn't try to bite me at all. He was extremely affectionate once I picked him up.”

— John DeBacker, Cat Rescuer

What’s next

South Shore Feral Care said Garfield will be 'meeting with a veterinary team,' including an orthopedist, to assess his injuries and provide him with the necessary medical care.

The takeaway

This heartwarming rescue story demonstrates the importance of railroad workers and animal rescuers working together to save pets in perilous situations. It also highlights the resilience and affectionate nature of cats, even those who have endured the trauma of being struck by a train.