Two weeks ago, Kris Northrup headed out on a short family getaway. But instead of rest and relaxation, she was met with an unexpected — and unforgettable — rescue.
As soon as she arrived at her rental, a frail cat ran straight toward her car. The scruffy stranger, later named Rufus, was painfully thin, covered in mats, and clearly in distress.
“Rufus literally came running up to our car,” Northrup told The Dodo. “I was horrified at his condition … he was emaciated, matted, and had a painful mouth.”
When Northrup learned from the property owner that Rufus had spent years living outdoors as a community cat, she knew she couldn’t walk away.
A kind neighbor named Kendra had been feeding him as best she could, but Rufus desperately needed more help than she could give.
Seeing old photos of Rufus when he was once healthy sealed the deal for Northrup: she was taking him home.
That night, Rufus stayed close after his first proper meal in ages. By morning, he hopped into Northrup’s lap and rode home with her, as if he knew his life was about to change.
At the vet, Rufus was estimated to be 14 years old and diagnosed with multiple health issues, including a heart murmur, kidney disease, and anemia.
But for the first time in his life, he also had something brand-new: consistent meals, safety — and a soft bed.
“He had no idea what it was!” Northrup said. “He kneaded it slowly for a while … and then finally curled up in comfort.”
Watching Rufus discover that simple joy was nothing short of heart-melting. You can watch Rufus react to his new bed here:
Though his medical challenges mean his time may be limited, Northrup was determined to find Rufus the perfect “fospice” (foster hospice) home, where he could be cherished for however many months or years he has left.
“The vet thinks he can go for another 6 months to 2 years,” Northrup said. “We’ll make it his best time.”
While Rufus rested, Northrup posted about the sweet boy online. Many animal advocates, like Show Your Soft Side, fell in love with Rufus right away and joined the campaign to find him a fospice home.
That’s when animal lover Emily Luft saw his story online. Rufus reminded her of her childhood cat, Callie, who she’d lovingly cared for in her final years. She instantly knew she wanted to give Rufus the same kind of love.
“When I saw Rufus, I knew I wanted to be that person for him,” Luft said.
Luft was drawn to Rufus as soon as she laid eyes on him. But it wasn’t just his sweet face that captured Luft’s heart; his story reminded her of someone special, ultimately convincing her to take him in.
“I was immediately reminded of the cat I grew up with, Callie. She lived to be almost 21, and as she got older, she acquired more health issues (one being kidney disease, which Rufus has). I got to spend Callie’s last three or so years at home with her, and I really enjoyed spending that time being her cuddle buddy,” Luft said. “I’m so glad I got to be there for her as one of her main caretakers. When I saw Rufus, I knew that I wanted to be that person for him, giving him that same kind of love and patience I had for Callie during her last years.”
Now, Rufus is set to move into his forever home with Luft and her fiancé — a safe, cozy place where he can spend his golden years surrounded by love.
For Kendra, the neighbor who fed him for so long, it’s a dream come true. “He’s been looking for a home for as long as I’ve known him,” she said. “What you’ve done is a true blessing.”
Once a frail stray who had nothing, Rufus is now a beloved cat with everything he’s ever needed: comfort, family, and unconditional love.
To help cats like Rufus get the care they need, you can donate to Show Your Soft Side here.
To keep up with Rufus, you can follow him on X or Instagram.
