Stray Cat Becomes Fixture at Wichita Fire Station 5
A feline resident has claimed the long-standing Wichita fire station as its home with the support of local firefighters.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Cats
Live Poll
Do you support stray animals being kept at local community work sites?
Since 2024, a stray cat has made Wichita Fire Department Station 5 its home base. The feline frequently enters the building through a boiler room window to visit the crews on duty.
Why it matters
The cat has become a central part of the station culture, with all three shifts participating in its care. Residents in the area have also stepped in to provide donations to support the animal.
Wichita Fire Department Station 5 has been in operation since 1954. The cat accesses the facility by jumping through an open boiler room window.
The players
Wichita Fire Department Station 5
This local fire station has served the Wichita community since it first opened its doors in 1954.
Ty Voth
He was a firefighter at Station 5 whose death marked a point in time after the cat began its regular visits to the facility.
The details
Firefighters at the station provide food and care for the cat, which they identify by several names including Bernice and Kitty. The cat previously gained local attention after it rode on a fire truck and was safely returned to the station by a neighbor.
Timeline
Wichita Fire Department Station 5 was established in 1954.
The stray cat has claimed the station as its home between 2024 and 2026.
Culture Shift
The presence of the cat at Station 5 follows the long-standing tradition of firehouses adopting stray animals as informal companions. This trend reflects how community hubs often serve as unexpected sanctuaries for local wildlife and stray animals.
Residents in the area can support the feline by providing donations for its ongoing care. This informal arrangement highlights the strong connection between the local station and the Wichita neighborhood it serves.
The takeaway
Adopting a stray cat can foster a unique sense of community within a workplace. Consider donating to local shelters if you are interested in supporting displaced animals in your own neighborhood.
Further reading
For more on local feline residents, see the latest updates from Cats.
Live Poll
Do you support stray animals being kept at local community work sites?
