Social Media Mobilizes Search for Cat Missing After Brevard County Crash

MIMS, Fla. – Volunteers across Brevard County are searching for Butterscotch, a one-year-old calico cat who vanished after a vehicle crash on Interstate 95 last week.

Butterscotch was on her way to a South Florida rescue when the vehicle transporting her was struck by a semi-truck in northern Brevard County, rescuers said. She has not been located since the collision.

The search gained momentum after posts spread across social media. One TikTok video about Butterscotch has received more than 12,000 views and hundreds of shares, bringing volunteers and animal rescue organizations together. “We had a group of volunteers that saw the social media post on the missing cat,” said Johnathan Critchfield, president of Space Coast Feline Network.

The online appeal also reached local rescuers, including Space Coast Feline Network volunteers. “First thing I wanted to do was help find the cat,” volunteer Jean Somerville said.

Volunteers warn that Butterscotch could be hard to see. Frightened cats commonly hide, and her calico coloring may help her blend into the surrounding area. “She’s going to hide because that’s what cats naturally do,” volunteer Kate Parry said. “Plus, with her calico coat, she blends in quite well.” Her disappearance near I-95 has intensified concerns among rescuers.

“We know that this is a trouble stretch of I-95,” Critchfield said. “So, if any animal were to be loose out here, particularly a domesticated one, we would definitely have concerns for that animal and want to try to get out and help it.”

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Since the crash, search teams have combed the area and brought in specialized equipment to assist in the effort.

Cortney Larson, president of Isla’s Journey Lost Dog Search and Rescue, said volunteers deployed a drone equipped with thermal imaging. “We went out and flew the drone as a thermal drone,” Larson said.

The mission, Larson said, is focused on bringing Butterscotch to safety. “It’s just about helping the animal and getting the animal to safety for sure.”

Anyone who spots Butterscotch should not try to approach her. Instead, witnesses are asked to contact one of the rescue groups involved in the search at 561-809-5419 or by emailing findbutterscotch@gmail.com.