Only surviving kitten saved from Prince Edward trash compactor now in loving home

PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- In May 2024, a bag of kittens was found inside a Prince Edward County trash compactor after the sole survivor began meowing for help. Over a year later, animal control officials are sharing an update on where that sweet girl is now.

On May 23, 2024, an attendant at the Darlington Heights convenience site made a heartbreaking discovery: multiple kittens "thrown away like trash" in one of the site's compactors, trapped inside an orange garbage bag. Only one of the three kitten siblings, a female, was still alive.

"The poor kitten was found by using what strength she had left to cry out for help," Prince Edward County Animal Care and Control said. "The attendant working heard her crying and contacted a caring citizen, who went into the compactor to save her life."

The kitten who survived being left in a trash compactor. (Photo: Prince Edward County Animal Care and Control)

The bag the kittens were found in. (Photo: Prince Edward County Animal Care and Control)

If not for the attendant and that Good Samaritan, all three kittens would have died.

More than a year later, on Thursday, May 29, animal officials made a post on Facebook about how the kitten -- now named Zoe -- is doing.

Following her rescue, Zoe was taken to Ridge Animal Hospital to be evaluated. Once she was cleared by the veterinarian, one of the shelter's animal control officers took her in as a foster. That way, they could continue to monitor her as they determined whether or not she was healthy enough to be put up for adoption -- which she later was.

FROM 2024: Bag of kittens found in Prince Edward trash compactor, only one survived

"Zoe has since been adopted and is now living the best indoor cat life with her doggy brother and kitty sister [whom] she loves with all her heart," animal officials said. "Not to mention, she has the best mom and dad ever! The updates we receive about Zoe and how she is thriving in her new life bring us rays of sunshine on rainy days."

Zoe, the cat who survived being dumped in a Prince Edward County trash compactor in 2024. (Photo: Prince Edward County Animal Care and Control)

Animal officials did not provide an update on the investigation into what happened to the kittens. When 8News first reported on this incident, it was known that the bag was dumped on the same day the kittens were found, but no other details were available.

"While we were heartbroken that her siblings did not survive, we are extremely grateful that Zoe fought for her life and never gave up," animal officials said. "No animal deserves to be treated and dumped like trash."