Boy, 9, saves kitten that was being ‘tossed around like a football’

A 9-year-old Arizona boy is being feted as a hero after he saved a small kitten that was being tossed around by a group of older kids “like he was a football.”

Zayin Berry ran toward the group at a Somerton, Ariz. skate park and offered his prized skateboard in exchange for the terrified animal.

Berry’s quick-thinking saved the kitten’s life and later earned him national recognition as the ASPCA’s “Kid of the Year” for 2025.

The young hero, who lives in Yuma, received the award at the ASPCA Humane Awards ceremony on Oct. 9 at New York’s Plaza Hotel.

The annual event honors people and animals whose actions embody compassion and courage in the protection of animals.

“I’d seen the older kids tossing a baby kitten around like he was a football. I was sad and mad because of the poor kitty,” Berry recalled in remarks shared by the ASPCA. His comments were first reported by People Magazine.

“I grabbed my skateboard and ran over to the kids and told them they could take my skateboard and play with it if they wanted to,” Zayin continued.

“They stopped tossing the kitty around and took off with my board.”

Zayin was horrified at how badly the animal was hurt.

“He was really hurt in his eyes and paws with yucky stuff all over him,” he told People.

“He was so small and little when I picked him up, he was meowing, and I ran over to my mom and told her I found this kitty, and he needs our help.”

His mother, Rhiannon Berry, said her son came running toward her moments later, holding the small orange kitten in his arms.

“You could hear its breathing was all congested and his paws were all caked with gunk on it,” she said.

The family brought the injured kitten home, cleaned him up and then took him to the Humane Society of Yuma for emergency care.

Veterinarians found a severe eye infection and a respiratory illness. Despite efforts to save the eye, it had to be surgically removed.

“They told my mom that there was a possibility that once everything was done, he would lose his eye,” Zayin said.

“My mom and the shelter’s staff explained that to me, and I told them, ‘I don’t care as long as he lives, because he’s my best friend’.”

The kitten, named Peaches for his orange-and-cream coloring, recovered quickly after surgery.

Humane Society staff credited Zayin’s split-second decision with saving the animal’s life.

“For Zayin to have that care and that drive at such a young age is honestly outstanding,” said Lauren Twerdak, a spokesperson for the shelter.

The story of the skateboard trade quickly spread through the Yuma community. Local businesses, including a skateboard retailer, donated supplies and a gift card so Zayin could replace the board he gave away.

Donations also helped the family cover the adoption and medical costs for Peaches.

Zayin said he never regretted the trade. The one-eyed cat now sleeps beside him every night and has become a constant companion to Zayin and his siblings.

“He loves me and sleeps right next to my face and gives me kisses in the morning,” Zayin said.

“We’re meant to be together, and I saved him. He’s mine. He is my best friend.”

At the ASPCA ceremony, Berry and Peaches appeared onstage together as the organization commended the boy for demonstrating empathy and moral courage at such a young age.