Meet Willie Ortiz, a dedicated scrap metal collector from Hartford, Connecticut, who has spent the last 22 years feeding stray cats—never once missing a day. At 76 years old, this veteran and 52-year husband feeds nearly 70 cats every night, ensuring they have enough to eat and live a healthy life. He cares for 16 colonies of stray and feral felines, providing food 365 days a year without fail.
Originally from Puerto Rico, Ortiz’s mission began in 1995 when he saw a hungry kitten being ignored and pushed away. “It needed help,” he said, and that moment sparked a lifelong commitment to caring for these animals. Since then, he has never looked back.
While many admire his devotion, not everyone understands his choice. “People ask why I feed them every day or say I feed them too much,” Ortiz shares. “But you eat every day, right? You get three meals; they eat once every 24 hours.”
Willie Ortiz, driven by his love for animals, vows to continue his nightly mission for as long as he is able. His compassion and unwavering dedication are a reminder of the powerful impact one person can have on the lives of others—both human and animal alike.