He may have been lost, he may have been lonely, but a kitten down on his luck changed his life by boarding a CTrain.

It was a dark night in September when the feline was spotted prowling inside the Barlow/Max Bell station.

The 6½-month-old tabby charmed strangers he met along the way, enjoying an ear scratch or two.

When the kitten bounded up to the platform, he came into view of Calgary Transit’s security video.

Staff watching the screens took a double take when they noticed the obedient kitten sitting patiently behind the yellow line, waiting for the incoming train.

As the train’s doors opened, the cat rose up and climbed aboard, lapping up attention from delighted riders clamouring to pet him.

Transit staff intercepted the stray as the train pulled into City Hall station, taking him to safety.

“He was so good at sitting behind the yellow line when the train came. It made everybody fall in love with him,” said Shannon Barritt, a transit information officer, who saw video of the kitten and was instantly smitten.

Within weeks, Barritt adopted the stray, naming him T.C., short for Transit Cat.

“He was very loving to the people he just met on the platform. I figured if he was friendly enough, I’d get him for myself,” said Barritt.

“I’ve been missing having a cat, I haven’t had one since November.”

Animals do occasionally ride the CTrain, but usually with their owners.

“It’s very unusual for them to be without someone. This the first time we’ve ever caught it on camera,” said Barritt.

After T.C. was checked out by an animal clinic, he was delivered to the Calgary Humane Society.

The kitten, weighing under eight pounds but in good health, had no microchip or tattoo.

Three weeks later, Barritt was able to adopt him.

“As soon as I opened up his cubicle, he put his paws on me and was giving me head butts,” she said.

“I’ve always said cats decide who their humans are.”

szickefoose@calgaryherald.com