'We can't replace her': Barnsdall tornado victims reunite with cat named Pikachu

'We can't replace her': Barnsdall tornado victims reunite with cat named Pikachu

[@lauraparisi4978]

Shelters should allow pets! Its cruel leaving them to fend for themselves.

[@arcticgoddess]

At least crated pets!

[@mariah8007]

There are allergic people though and they should also be able to have somewhere to stay.

[@ElleLillian]

@@mariah8007 Maybe like a sectioned-off pet area with air filters to keep the dander and allergens away from the rest of the shelterers? I'm not sure how practical that'd be, if there's only one big room, but it might work for a short period of time, since most tornadoes pass by a place within twenty-ish minutes?

[@theresedavis2526]

I would never leave my pets! If you feel that you must seek shelter, then your pets should go with you! Seeking shelter means you don't feel safe! What makes you think your pets will be safe??

[@Sasskitten]

@@mariah8007 They can remember to bring their allergy pills. I would not leave my dog (If he was still alive he passed of old age a few years ago so I think they wouldn't mind me bringing the urn.)

[@vickilindberg6336]

"We didn't have our pets with us." So many owners risking their lives to protect their pets. Wouldn't dream of radar watching without knowing exactly where our pets were & how we would evacuate with them.

[@WWZenaDo]

Agreed. What kind of pet owners abandon their animals in the path of an oncoming storm? I thought I had a gas leak in my house a few years ago. I loaded my animals into carriers, put them into my car, drove the car out of the garage and parked it down the street, then went back to the house to wait for the fire department and the utilities company.

[@plumdutchess]

​@@WWZenaDo Like someone else said, the shelter may not have allowed pets. Apparently hurricane shelters don't allow them.

[@WWZenaDo]

@@plumdutchess So use the vehicle to drive in the opposite direction of the storm.

[@tonkabeanpumpkin-fh4fz]

@@WWZenaDo My understanding is that tornados are unpredictable. It's hard to tell which way they might go.

[@WWZenaDo]

@@tonkabeanpumpkin-fh4fz They definitely can be highly erratic! But most of them (like their parent storms) move from west to east, or from southwest to northeast.

[@gonefishing3644]

Never rebuild a home destroyed by a tornado without first installing a tornado shelter. That shelter can save lives and is the most important structure to put in place when rebuilding.

[@TehKitteh01]

If I lived in an area where tornadoes were a serious threat, I would have a shelter for sure. At least you know you can take your pets with you.

[@jessicasmith5728]

A lot of these homes in the Midwest tend to have storm shelters built underground or basements.

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

AGREED--NEVE EVER LEAVE WITHOUT YOUR PETS!!!!!!!

[@carriecree1789]

Some places have a water table that doesn't allow for a dry normal basement, but there are above ground shelters that can be built.

[@JESpivey]

I know most of Arkansas can not build shelters like that because the water table. No basements in the south. In my town we would have to flee to an elementary school but no pets allowed and they unlocked only when sirens go off. Absolute madness.

[@Survivin2Thrivin]

Siamese cats are THE BEST!!!😍 so glad Pikachu was found alive & reunited with her family 🥰

[@skuffel5405]

Cats are smart as shit! They know how to survive!

[@sandys.1891]

@@skuffel5405 Siamese take smart to a whole different level.

[@maryhirsch2909]

@@sandys.1891 Mine looks just like that one. She is super smart. Glad they have her.

[@bl8388]

Pika-Pikaaa!

[@debrakleid5752]

Sorry. I’m partial to Russian Blues. I have 3 triplet sisters and they are the best! Never had a Siamese cat. I have a 4th who is an all black cat but not the brightest to be honest and she isn’t a lap cat like the triplets. A woman was giving them away at 6 weeks old so I took all 3 so they wouldn’t end up at the pound since it was a high kill shelter so my now ex found homes for all 3 but not together. They were always snuggling with each other and us and I cancelled the adoptions and kept them all. They turned 7 on April 8 during the solar eclipse.

[@ginny0719]

That just burns me!!! PEOPLE TAKE YOUR PETS!!! I have disabilities and live alone but I manage getting my babies... Its called being prepared for a reason!

[@phoenixdarkmoon8040]

100% this! I have a kennel and pet taxi's in my basement for my pets. They stay there permanently and I know where my cats sleep. Dont wait until the sirens go off. They tell you long in advance now when a tornado warning is. If you wait until you hear sirens you are too late.

[@AsktheJudge-xm3ty]

Some shelters will not allow pets, which I think is inhumane, but that's why some people leave their pets behind.

[@lizziebkennedy7505]

The shelters won’t let them

[@dragulia_venaro]

​@@AsktheJudge-xm3ty even when there's no tornado, people can leave their pets behind as they're moving somewhere. that's very unfortunate.

[@paigemaddi]

Always bring your pets with you...

[@hazeldel13]

They were at a public shelter. The question is are pets allowed in the shelter or would they be turned away if you bring them with you? Pets were not allowed at shelters after hurricanes or homeless places so likely the same with tornado shelters unfortunately.

[@itsmeowornever.8143]

Bring your pets and if they turn you away, shame be on them. But you know, the "it's all about me mentality is rampant".

[@hazeldel13]

@@itsmeowornever.8143 because it is public you will most likely end up with people allergic to dogs or cats considering it is a common allergy. So while yes you should protect your pets. It doesn't give you the right to endanger someone else who is allergic and in a small cramped space once everyone gets there who will be there. Let alone that if everyone did being there animals to a public shelter it would be full of animals that may or may not like other animals but also leaves less space for other people seeking shelter.

[@JakeTurbine]

@@itsmeowornever.8143Human lives are more valuable at the end of the day. Sorry

[@itsmeowornever.8143]

Perhaps those that care enough will find a solution that works for them.

[@christinevanduuren5014]

This absolutely infuriates me that they left their pets behind.

[@HM2SGT]

When the siren goes off seconds count because the tornado is only minutes away. More often than not there simply isn't time to get the pets. Think of how much time it takes to find your cat and get it ready to travel. Now imagine trying to do that *_AND_* grab all the necessary medications *_AND_* immediate necessities... sadly, there simply is not time. 🤷 The way to solve that problem is to have a shelter of your own. That way the few minutes warning you have is sufficient time and you don't have to use any of it traveling to the community shelter.

[@DelicatelyDestroyed]

@@HM2SGT you're a bad person.

[@HM2SGT]

@@DelicatelyDestroyed 🙄 I'm a pragmatist & realist with direct experience. What's your excuse?

[@tuxedomask7071]

Pikachu is literally a pokemon creating lightning. It was probably in its element.

[@christianmoller6141]

He is LITERALLY a cat

[@aftersexhighfives]

​@@christianmoller6141no, he's a pikachu weren't you listening? Geoffrey said we didn't have to grow up.

[@Lemthepoetofficial]

AWWW :) Yes!

[@carolwitzke3563]

So glad they found their beloved cat!!!

[@user-ct8fl5kz9x]

I'm so happy they found their kitty.💝🙏✝️🕊

[@princhipessa1969]

Our pets can never be replaced. So glad she found picachu ❤

[@joyfullone3968]

I am very glad you found your precious cat!💕🐈‍⬛💕🐈💕🐈‍⬛💕

[@kalayne6713]

I watched this streaming live, from the safety of Australia. But a meteorological map doesnt show the actual damage being done, or the terrifying aftermath. We rarely have tornados in Australia, although one happened yesterday, but we have the nightmare of summer's heat and bushfires. Bless these people, having to go through this most years. Thank goodness, this lady found her cat, I would be frantic, too.

[@Darrinbewitched]

Beautiful lady

[@SnowPink90]

I live just outside Vancouver BC Canada, and our province get forest fires all summer long, but because of little snowfall this past winter, our fires have started. Our summers get as high as 35 Celsius. Take care during your fires and floods.

[@AsktheJudge-xm3ty]

I'm crying, too. So happy they got reunited with their cat!

[@Darrinbewitched]

Cats are top priority

[@MsLulu-jr4on]

Oh my goodness!! What a site!! Praying for all those affected and their pets! Happy to hear Pikachu is safe!

[@maryj2671]

This one made me tear up, thank you dear Lord for this reunion.

[@maidenthe80sla]

If your god made this reunion happen, then why was this tornado not stopped from destroying this neighborhood?

[@paanne1013]

Me too! And Yes, Thank the Lord!

[@lolajaramillo4620]

​@@maidenthe80sla God can't interfere too much with our lives. We were meant in part to grow strong from things, even disasters. But he'll be there to help you get through the tough times when you pray for help to be okay again after..

[@markyncole]

​@@lolajaramillo4620That's a lot of stupidity and hypocrisy rolled into one statement, don't you think?

[@lolajaramillo4620]

@@markyncole It's called the best kind of parenting. Don't do everything for your kids, they will get spoiled and will never fully learn how to take care of themselves, asking for everything, not knowing what they're truly capable of, and not feel the greatness of their inner strength. And need is the inspiration for invention, problem solving that has helped build healthy functions in our society. This is life not heaven, it's meant to be a challenge. And I don't believe in God because someone just introduced him to me or told me to believe, I do because prayer and faith has seriously helped me in my life's most desperate of times. Care to want and try to understand, or don't. Decide to let things be, or hate just because you can, to each their own. *Pardon the edit, I hate typos.

[@smalljen2040]

How wonderful for both the family and the sweet kitty!! 🤗

[@AllysonJFlagg]

Not really. All the other animals they "collected" died.

[@tshaffer9681]

Beautiful. I'm so happy that she's safe ☺️ That cat looked so comforted to be in her momma's arms.

[@TheSouthIsHot]

When I was in my early 20s, my sweet, gentle tabby cat Cleopatra WAS my heart. I can understand this woman's heartbreak of losing her pets, and her incredible joy when she found Pikachu alive. I'm glad you survived, Pikachu!❤

[@MusicMovesMe78]

As a cat mom from Georgia, my heart is happy for the babies who survived while I pray for all of the animals lost. ❤️

[@tuxedomask7071]

I like the way she is holding the cat. Like it is also a symbol and kind of respectful. Hard to explain. Just was a nice image.

[@crystanick2697]

She left the cat there while she went and found shelter for herself. How tf is that respectful.

[@flitsertheo]

@@crystanick2697 What if the cat was outdoors and not to be found ?

[@DeeMontezx1]

@@flitsertheo No she left them on purpose she tried to justify it by saying she really thought her house would be there when they got back.

[@youtubeobserverz]

God Bless and Protect these poor people and their pets!

[@julie-og4lu]

God bless Pikachu and her family. I'm so glad they have there pets always I stress always stress pet carrier for an emergency. I have one for my cat and and small bag with water and food and bowls harnesses and collars for the cat and dog

[@nyxipixi6629]

Anyone else click on the video because they also have a cat named Pikachu? So glad kitty was reunited.

[@SongMom8]

Aww, so glad kitty is ok!

[@earthmotherdragon4572]

Don't understand why they don't bring their cats and dogs to the shelter. I would not leave my animals behind if avoidable. Glad they found the cat though, pretty cat. x

[@RedRoseSeptember22]

Aww kitty knows she's loved ^^ she snuggled right into her momma's arms. ♥

[@kathyford3463]

So glad her kitty and puppy dog were found and unharmed! My ❤ goes out to all the folks in this town!

[@darlapremeaux7006]

So glad that you found your 🐈

[@debrakleid5752]

So glad their cat Pikachu is ok. I have 4 cats and they are my babies. I hate to hear of all the animals who perished in the storms that we all get. We get hurricanes and tornadoes here. Thankfully no tornadoes have hit us but there was one in the 90’s that was so destructive it flattened homes as an EF 3 or 4. We get hurricanes quite often and some years more than once like in 2004 we had Charley, Francis, and Jean and in 2022 we had Ian and Nicole. All other years we only had 1

[@tenerifecats6652]

I always know when the 'severe storm' warning calls from our local Sheriff's department is coming. My cats just 'disappear' (to their secret hiding spots), and I think...where are the cats, look out at the sky with dark clouds approaching, and the call comes. It's like they KNOW before it's even happening. I'm so glad Pikachu is ok; but so sad for others that lost their pets and homes.

[@nikkis7375]

People often think us pet lovers are crazy for valuing our animals lives the same as our human loved ones. For me, I don’t have kids. My cats are my whole world and I worry for them more than myself lol they’ll call me crazy but it’s empathy.

[@Kristbjorg-Nymann]

Poor people and animals and their suffering. It's all too hard to hear. Thank goodness Pikachu was found!

[@IntrepidFraidyCat]

Sweet kitty!

[@slinky5827]

No kitty is replaceable ❤️

[@ElsjeMassyn]

I am in tears .. I am so happy Pikachu was re-united by her owner.

[@Thissomerandomness]

I saw this tornado on the news on that day, I didn’t think it was that bad until the day after! There was a tornado that came a mile from me at around 11:00 at night. It only knocked some power lines down but still crazy

[@libertyvilleguy2903]

Happy they found their beloved pet.

[@nmr6988]

Thank you Lord!

[@boiledliddo]

nice to be reunited with your cat. Same name as my pet cat too. My pet cat Pikachu died about two years ago. She is an adult stray I picked up from the streets. And she lived more than 8 years here in our house. 🐱

[@jennyw1445]

So happy she found her cat alive!

[@rachelmarie7705]

I'm glad she was found. I could have never left my two girls (cats) behind. They would have came with me!

[@albaguillen1654]

Tks God, animals again with owner's ❤🙏🏼👏🏼🐕🐈‍⬛🐈

[@WanderingRoe]

This made me cry, I’m so happy this baby was found safe!! I have a Siamese that looks identical…😭😭😭❤️

[@Velaveli09]

The way the reporter said "pikachu" is so kawaiii 😂

[@SnowPink90]

We have what we call go bags that we have things packed for ourselves and then we have go bags packed for each pet and we have them right beside their carriers. My new pup that’s with me all the time, I have a bag that’s ready for him. Material things I could care less about, but to lose a pet because I left it behind? That’ll never happen to me because I don’t leave my pets behind. They come with me. If there’s a danger and we’re told to go, they come with us.

[@sherrismith4311]

Thank God u guys found Pikachu. I'd b 💔 if I couldn't find my 🐈

[@lavenderflowersfall280]

I've always been more of a cat person than a rodent person😂

[@Willowy13]

We are going through our own tragedy here in Brazil. Pets are being rescued too. Many home owwners refused rescue if they had to leave their 4 paws family members behind.

[@Ozma0001]

For people who don't understand, most public shelters don't accept animals. Animals can be unpredictable in emergencies, some people are allergic and space is limited. Not everyone has a shelter or safe space in their homes. Not everyone is in the same circumstance or type of home as you. Warnings often come late and when it's at night, people often don't hear them or there simply isn't time. Especially true if you have children or elderly with you. Have any of you been through this? If it were an ideal circumstance, yes, crate your pets, take them to your shelter or safe space if you can. But these situations often drag on, on and off, for hours if not days. That's simply not always feasible. If it were ideal, it wouldn't be a tornado.

[@weatherfan1925]

Yup, like she said she thought it was safe. Then the tornado hit.

[@LyranSoul]

My pets are family. I have been through natural disasters and not leaving them behind to fend for themselves.

[@sukie584]

While everyone’s circumstance is indeed different, & in the moment based on info at that time decisions are made, thankfully most people don’t consider their companion animals expendable or less important than any other family member & leave them behind.

[@dcwatashi]

Then don’t live in Oklahoma. It’s not like this just happened out of the blue. This happens all the time.

[@JollyMe22]

I stayed behind with my cat before with a tornadic storm tracking straight for me. There was a public shelter at the time (not anymore) and they didn't allow pets, so I stayed. I couldn't leave her. Thankfully, we wound up being safe.

[@Omega1867]

That shelters don’t allow pets is stupid in my own humble opinion. If there’s a damn tornado coming, my pet is coming with me when I leave. There’s no way I’m just leaving her to fend for herself in that kind of situation.

[@KaleidoscopeMagic]

awwee, so sweet! she's holding on to that cat now bigtime!

[@lloydhlavac6807]

I don't currently have a cat, but if I did I'd never leave it behind in a weather emergency. I could not live with myself if something bad happened to it.

[@CHT420]

My sister’s house in Moore,Ok. was demolished in that infamous tornado, her dog and cat missing, after everyone was allowed to come back, her dog had gotten under her kitchen sink that was left standing. A day later her cat came out from some debris a few feet away.🙏🏼❤️

[@gottalovegabe1176]

Why wouldn’t you bring your pets into safety? I’d never leave mine behind.

[@RADIALPUDDLE]

They had to take shelter in their home

[@LyranSoul]

The pets should have gone with them into the shelter.

[@RADIALPUDDLE]

@@LyranSoul in their bathroom? I don’t think it would have made much of a difference. You guys will find anything to judge someone for and whine about.

[@LyranSoul]

And you guys will find anything to be an A-hole about. You are one of those people who shouldn't have kids or pets.

[@LyranSoul]

@@RADIALPUDDLE And you guys will find anything to be an azzhole about. You are one of those people who shouldn't have pets or kids.

[@ricardeaux7112]

This is so endearing. Poor babies

[@KenjiMapes]

This warms my heart & soothes my soul. I’m relieved that they reunited with furry family member Pikachu. The destruction & deaths caused by these storms is heartbreaking. As severe & awful as the property damage is, it can be replaced. Family, furry or otherwise are irreplaceable. During an emergency I’m making sure that I have my furry family with me above all else. Cats & dogs are gifts to humanity. No house or apartment is truly a home unless it has furry pals inside of it. Anyway, thoughts & prayers to all those affected & condolences to the families who lost loved ones. This is a good reminder that you should be prepared. Make sure you have a bug out bag ready & have carrier on hand for your cats & dogs along with supplies for all so you can bug out in a flash. Things have already been chaotic & challenging so I can’t imagine the distress the affected people are feeling. Stories like this though give us comfort & hope during terrible times. No matter how bad it gets, the most important thing is that furry family & family are safe. Best of luck to everyone & hope that you ca. rebuild things as fast as possible. I’m sure Pikachu is over the moon as much as the family about being safe & reunited🐈.🙂👍

[@lmlowe9100]

WHY wouldn't you take your pets WITH you, ffs?!

[@ptrekboxbreaks5198]

Not trying to be rude, but why wouldnt you bring your pets to shelrer with you?

[@RADIALPUDDLE]

They took shelter in their home.

[@libertyvilleguy2903]

Sadly, public shelters will not allow pets. People with allergies being one of the reasons.

[@pacjam418]

Many shelters in the US don’t allow animals. Occasionally they do.

[@bigbadbubba099]

Im so glad they found you❤ ...and the storm has passed.

[@philoctetes_wordsworth]

I am in Alief, Houston, texas, and I cried, when I saw Picachou pop up!

[@virgo420]

I will never leave my dog, cats or bird. Once I know we have a threat of weather coming for the day I get the leash/harness out, pet backpack and carriers ready for three cats and my cockatiel. Bird will be in a small carrier, big cat in the pet backpack and two other small cats in one carrier. They are filled with blankets for padding. But they are all in my hands and husband’s hands with us in the tornado shelter of our basement. They are not replaceable. ❤ 🐈 🐈‍⬛ 🐈‍⬛ 🐕 🦜 ❤ If we have enough time they all get loaded up in the vehicles and off we go to a place out of the path of the storm. I have a fear of just storms themselves, so I plan and plan. 😂 This isn’t if there is a tornado spotted, this is what I do before the storms even make their way to us. And if they are in the middle of the night, I don’t sleep. This is how scared I am though. My hubby is a retired firefighter and my son is a lieutenant on the fire department. He also keeps me updated. 😂

[@Cocopancake528]

Never leave ur pets behind, they are your responsibility and part of the family

[@chairms2177]

So adorable!!

[@Skaramoosh5]

I wouldn't leave my family. If pets are not allowed in shelters, I don't go.

[@danadavisrn3600]

So glad Pikachu is back with her family! There is nothing like finding a lost pet that is dearly loved! 😻

[@annettenadeau7334]

Who doesn't take their companion into the storm shelter?

[@lavenderflowersfall280]

Pikachu --- I choose YOU

[@kristenkaz3080]

I’m so sorry for this family. But it also teaches us all what is really important; our loved ones-two legged or 4. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@jhonsiders6077]

That’s the fist thing I think of get the cat ! My house is underground and I keep the carrier close by stocked with food water and litter for just such a emergency. If needed

[@ilovecatvideos1851]

I have read that some tornado sirens overheat and burn out if they run continuously. Therefore so are turned off intermittently during an emergency. It can be a deadly mistake to assume the treat has passed. The sirens are to warn those OUTSIDE away from broadcast sources of warning not for those indoors. Always check your weather app, NOAA radio, other radio or weather report before assuming anything. And NEVER go to a window or outside to look. A cell phone is your friend. Post script: I 💕 🐱 🐱

[@heathermunoz6282]

Oh my goodness. That's aweful. Im glad the family is okay. Thank goodness for Humane Society.

[@DelicatelyDestroyed]

No respect for bad people who leave their animals behind. Selfish! They don't actually love their pets.

[@californianorma876]

So glad 🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂🫂🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@Jane-West]

So happy y'all are ok and you found Pikachu.. so sorry for the loss of your other animals🙏

[@margaretstutts4362]

Thank you! I needed that.

[@truffles2721]

All the houses should have basement shelters. I would never leave my pets.

[@mildredwest2541]

Happy for you! ❤

[@barryrahn5957]

I'm glad she found her kitty. A Siam no less!!

[@janeg8274]

That is WONDERFUL ❤❤❤

[@DeeMontezx1]

They left them behind? I could never.

[@SarahRenz59]

Pikachu is a gorgeous meezer (Siamese)! Glad she's okay!

[@Eric-jo8uh]

My heart always goes out to the animals in thunderstorms and the like. I do ask though, you left but left the cat?

[@AllysonJFlagg]

Because you "cannot?" take pets DON'T OWN ANY. They are NOT objects. How you treat animals IS how you treat people. Her statement, "We really did not think" says it all.

[@jmmanuelseale823]

what a beautiful cat

[@pacjam418]

Really glad you found your cat.

[@itsmeowornever.8143]

Much talk about shelters not allowing pets. So be proactive and get together with other folks who care about their pets and build a shelter for your own community so you can bring them. Shame on these people not protecting them.

[@JakeTurbine]

What a ridiculous comment

[@theresedavis2526]

Oklahoma, or any Midwest state, is not worth losing my pets, my home, and everything I own!!

[@QuietlyCurious]

Wow, she is a stunning Siamese 😍

[@JacobSolbux]

I get your panicking but I would never leave my cat, my fur child.

[@sheila_bluemanc]

Why would you leave your pets behind in the first place? Would you leave your kids too? Your aged parents?

[@katewest130]

So happy you found her.♥

[@NF-kg7tn]

ピカチュウ無事に助かって良かったです

[@Mindvirus-ly5ed]

Never leave your animals behind. I can't even imagine doing that. When we go to the basement, we all go, including 3 dogs and 8 cats. they instinctively know to head down. Community shelters need to allow pets. So many pets died in the LA huricane, drowned in their cages because thoughtless owners left their pets behind. if you do leave them behind, shut them in a bathroom of interior room. Do not put them in a cage. At least give them a fighting chance.

[@wendymcdowell2341]

I’m so happy you found you!!!! ❤❤❤

[@gritskennedy5007]

You left without your pets???

[@arcray12]

One small victory in a huge nightmare.

[@newtoncooper4085]

I can't imagine what their pets are thinking, "What the hell did you do that for?"

[@HM2SGT]

Nothing like a disaster to help you sort out what's *_truly_* important

[@nrqed]

That made my day!!