Runway, the Free Fall Cat

This is a story I came across that has been printed in a company newsletter and submitted to another daily publication.

Rantoul, Illinois may be the home to the USA’s largest skydiving convention with people visiting Rantoul from all over the world, but there is one who will be happy to be leaving Rantoul for a new home.

During one of the first days of the event, a small brown cat was found on one of the runways in Rantoul. “It was emaciated, little more than a bag of skin and bones,” says her new owner.

When the cat was found, it was brought to the airport tower. It could not move and its eye was infected. There wasn’t much hope for the stranded feline.

Farmer City, Illinois resident Tom Brown was given the nickname “Tomcat” several years ago by one of his fellow skydivers. He didn’t know much about looking after animals, but decided to take the cat back to his campsite.



From there, he located a fellow skydiver, Dr. Wolfe from Georgia. Dr. Wolfe looked the animal over and determined it needed an I.V. Another sky diver went into town for supplies to assist with the I.V. and to help with the cat’s eye infection.

In just an hour or so of medical attention, “Runway Centerline”, a temporary name that may catch on, was purring and looking healthier and happier. Many of the others attending the event have brought food over to Brown’s tent.

Her left leg still appears to be a little sore. The doctor felt “Runway” had lost some muscle tissue while ill. Still, it appears there is a lot of life left in the little cat. “Jumpers have been generous with food, attention and time. I’ve needed time away and there have been people helping baby-sit for me.”

As the annual event comes to a close, Brown will be returning to Farmer City with a new companion; a cat who can thank its lucky stars for the Free Fall convention and the good hearted people who attend.