When Kris Northrup, an experienced cat rescuer, went on a short vacation with her family, she truly believed she’d get some rest. However, an encounter with a senior stray cat changed everything.
The stray cat, later named Rufus, came running toward Kris as if he knew she could help him. She was horrified by his condition and shared in an interview:
“Rufus literally came running up to our car when we pulled into the driveway of our one-night vacation rental. I was horrified at his condition. He was emaciated, covered in painful mats and had a painful mouth.”
Realizing Rufus needed immediate help, Kris was determined not to leave him behind. She also decided to investigate his background.
After speaking with the property owner, she discovered that Rufus was a community cat without a permanent family. She added:
“He was a 24/7 outside community cat who was fed and cared for by neighbors. A compassionate neighbor, Kendra whom I met and who cared deeply about this boy, shared her wish that he be rescued and get the vet care he so obviously needed.”
Although Kendra had been looking after Rufus, she wasn’t planning to adopt him. She hoped someone would fall in love with his sweet personality and offer him a home. Kris, unable to leave Rufus in such poor condition, made her final decision. She shared:
“She showed me a picture of him a year ago when he was healthy, and that cemented it for me… I was going to rescue this severely emaciated and obviously neglected, matted cat.”
Kris and Rufus quickly bonded, spending the rest of the day together. The next morning, they headed back home, with the sweet boy lying in her lap for most of the ride.
Once they returned home, Kris took Rufus to the vet. The examination revealed he was around 14 years old. With round-the-clock care, his condition began to improve, and his true personality started to shine through.
The sweetest moment was when Rufus got his very first bed. Initially, he didn’t know what to do, but soon he started making biscuits on it before finally lying down in comfort.
Unfortunately, further examinations showed Rufus had a 4–5 grade heart murmur, stage 2–3 kidney disease, anemia, and several other health issues.
Knowing that he was a senior cat with multiple illnesses, Kris understood his time might be limited. However, she was determined to make his remaining days as joyful as possible. She added:
“The vet thinks he can go for another 6 months to 2 years. We’ll make it his best time.”
Kris shared Rufus’s story online in hopes of finding him a foster hospice home, which is when Emily Luft stepped in. Emily shared:
“I thought he was such a sweet, cute man from the photos, and I thought he would be a great fit for my fiance and I, after reading that he just wants to eat and hang out with people.”
Rufus also reminded Emily of her late cat Callie, who had a similar story. Wanting to provide Rufus with all the love and care he deserved, Emily and her fiancé signed the adoption papers, officially welcoming Rufus into their lives.
Now, he will spend his golden years with two compassionate and loving humans who will ensure he has everything he needs.
Leave a comment