Kitten in viral NYC subway video gets a new home

The magic of the New York City subway system is that it can take you anywhere, any time of day. Even a new home, it seems. At least that was the case for a lost kitten turned viral sensation.

You might’ve seen the now-famous kitty on TikTok, originally posted by @Pocahontae. The kitten, seemingly a stray, wandered onto the subway at the 110th Street Station as if it were commuting to work. The post from @Pocahontae, given name Shaquantae McGee, has racked up some eight million views on TikTok.

The video shows a person safely scooping up the kitten as subway passengers wonder what to do.

“The woman got off at the next stop with the cat,” McGee told local station 6ABC. “Everyone was in shock and panic.”

But this story apparently has a happy ending. The commuter who scooped up the kitty told The Today Show that she has adopted the kitten and named her Emmie, in honor of NYC’s MTA.

The rider’s name is Betsaida Mercado. She posted an update on TikTok, stitched with the original video.

“I’ve never had a cat before, but she is so precious, I love her,” Mercado said in the TikTok. Mercado’s page is now full of heartwarming Emmie updates, including all the gifts sent her way, her new sibling (a dog), and her trip to the vet.

So what likely started out as a stressful ride for Emmie has now turned into a safe, loving home — and life as a viral star.