Those slow biscuits …👀
Two weeks ago, Kris Northrup embarked on a brief family getaway, anticipating some much-needed relaxation. However, her plans took an unexpected turn when a fluffy stranger approached her.
The cat, who would soon be named Rufus, ran directly to Northrup as she pulled into the driveway of their vacation rental. Concerned by Rufus’s alarming condition, Northrup, an experienced cat rescuer, felt compelled to take action.
“Rufus literally came running up to our car when we pulled into the driveway of our one-night vacation rental,” Northrup shared with The Dodo. “I was horrified at his condition … he was emaciated, covered in painful mats, and had a sore mouth.” Instead of settling in, Northrup began investigating Rufus’s situation. After contacting the property owner, she discovered that Rufus was a familiar figure in the community, but he lacked a permanent home.
“He was a community cat who lived outside and was cared for by the neighbors,” Northrup explained. “A compassionate neighbor, Kendra, who deeply cared about him, expressed her desire for him to be rescued and receive the veterinary care he so desperately needed.” Kendra had done her best to look after Rufus, but she didn’t have the means to adopt him or take him to the vet. When she learned about Northrup’s background in rescuing cats, Kendra shared a recent photo of Rufus that solidified Northrup’s resolve to help.
“She showed me a picture of him a year ago when he was healthy, and that convinced me … I had to rescue this severely emaciated and clearly neglected, matted cat,” Northrup said. Rufus quickly warmed up to Northrup, and they spent the rest of the day together. Although Rufus chose to sleep outside after enjoying a delicious meal provided by Northrup, he remained close to his new friend.
“When we left the next morning, Rufus came with us,” Northrup recalled. “He laid in my lap for most of the ride home.” Estimated to be around 14 years old, Rufus experienced many new things after being rescued. With Northrup’s constant care, he finally had a reliable food source and began to regain his strength. He also received his very first bed.
At first, Rufus was unsure about the soft fleece bed beneath him. However, his instincts soon kicked in. “He had no idea what it was!” Northrup remarked. “He made biscuits on the bed slowly and for quite a while … and after a couple of minutes, he finally lay down in comfort.” The cozy bed and regular meals were exactly what Rufus needed.
Though he was diagnosed with a 4-5 grade heart murmur, stage 2-3 kidney disease, anemia, and borderline hyperthyroidism, Rufus was surprisingly resilient. With limited time ahead of him, Northrup was determined to find him a loving foster hospice (fospice) home.
“The vet thinks he could live for another 6 months to 2 years,” Northrup said. “We’ll make sure it’s the best time.” While Rufus relaxed, Northrup shared his story online. Many animal advocates, including the group Show Your Soft Side, quickly fell in love with Rufus and joined the effort to find him a fospice home. That’s when Emily Luft discovered him.
“I was scrolling through my feed and saw the post about him needing a fospice,” Luft told The Dodo. “I thought he looked like such a sweet boy from the photos, and after reading that he just wanted to eat and hang out with people, I thought he’d be a perfect fit for my fiancé and me.”
Luft was immediately drawn to Rufus, but it was more than just his adorable appearance; his story reminded her of a beloved childhood pet. “I was reminded of the cat I grew up with, Callie. She lived to be almost 21, and as she aged, she developed health issues, including kidney disease, just like Rufus. I was fortunate to spend her last few years at home with her, and I cherished that time as her cuddle buddy,” Luft shared. “When I saw Rufus, I knew I wanted to provide him with that same love and patience during his remaining time.”
Luft and her fiancé reached out about adopting Rufus, and before long, they finalized the paperwork to welcome him into their home. Rufus is set to move to his forever family this week, and while Northrup will miss having him around, she is overjoyed to see her wish for Rufus come to fruition.
Rufus’s friends, including Kendra, couldn’t be happier for him either. “I can’t thank you enough for giving him the love and care he deserves for however many more days he has on this earth,” Kendra expressed in a message to Northrup, which was later shared with The Dodo. “He’s been looking for a ‘home’ for as long as I’ve known him, and what you’ve done is a true blessing.”