Adopt-a-Pet: Raindrop the storm drain cat

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Late last week, Riverside County animal control officer Kristina Hillegaart responded to an unusual call -- California Department of Transportation workers had reported a cat trapped in a storm drain along Interstate 215.

When Hillegaart arrived, the young female domestic shorthair was, in fact, firmly stuck in the dirty, trash-covered drain and looked up at Hillegaart plaintively through the grates. Hillegaart managed to pluck the cat from the drain and brought her to the Riverside animal shelter.

The cat, called Raindrop (ID# A684220) by her rescuers, is now available for adoption -- and she could certainly use a break! She seems to have been a stray before winding up in the drain, but despite that, is friendly with people and is described as a great pet prospect for a cat lover in the market for a new friend.

‘I love this kitty,’ Hillegaart said of Raindrop. ‘She’s such a sweet, loving cat.’ Meet Raindrop in person at the Riverside animal shelter, located at 5950 Wilderness Ave. in Riverside, or call (951) 358-7387 with her ID number for more information.

-- Lindsay Barnett