ENCINITAS — Noah, an orange tabby cat from Encinitas, has been named Newsweek’s Pet of the Year for 2024.
Encinitas resident Kathleen Kastner adopted Noah six years ago from the Rancho Coastal Humane Society, a local animal shelter where she frequently volunteers. At the time, Noah was estimated to be around 5 years old and had lived on the streets in another part of San Diego County before being taken into the shelter.
Kastner was looking for a companion for her 17-year-old cat, Oliver, who had recently lost his 20-year-old brother, Julian.
“He liked having another cat to sit beside him on the bed,” Kastner said of Oliver.
She credits Noah’s companionship with extending Oliver’s life by two and a half years.
“Our family would not be the same without him,” Kastner said.
When Noah first joined the household, his years of outdoor living made the transition challenging.
“He did not want to be an indoor cat,” Kastner said. “He kept escaping.”
One night, he pushed through a window and disappeared.
“I thought I was never going to see him again,” she recalled.
Noah eventually returned, and Kastner and her husband, Wade Mortenson, took steps to ease his adjustment. Mortenson built an outdoor “catio,” a secure space allowing cats to enjoy the outdoors without running away.
Kastner also found an unconventional solution: a leash.
Although not typical for cats, Noah took to the leash after Kastner tried several harnesses to find one that fit comfortably and securely. Today, he enjoys neighborhood walks and has earned a reputation as a local celebrity.
“One of my neighbors calls him ‘the coolest cat on the block,’” Kastner said.
Noah’s adventures and those of Kastner’s other pets inspired her children’s book series, “Karma Cats to the Rescue,” available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Noah’s journey to becoming Newsweek’s Pet of the Year began when Kastner submitted videos of him walking on his leash, leading to his selection as Pet of the Week. Friends and family rallied to vote for Noah, helping him secure the top honor.
“I’m so grateful and super proud of Noah,” Kastner said.
The recognition also thrilled workers and volunteers at the Rancho Coastal Humane Society.
“We love Kathleen. People volunteer at shelters and rescues for various reasons, but for Kathleen, it’s part of who she is,” said John Van Zante, the shelter’s public relations director. “She does it out of the goodness of her heart.”
Today, Noah enjoys a quieter life. While he still loves his walks and lounge time in the catio, he spends more time indoors with his family and toys. The once-independent outdoor cat has fully embraced his cozy new role as a beloved family member.
