Bruce Is The Happiest Sad Cat Ever

By: Kelli Brinegar
For more than five years, Kelli Brinegar has been using her ability to write and her passion for research to tell the tale of what cats are thinking and why. She has provided care to more than 30 cats in her lifetime.Read more
| April 2, 2020

Before finding their true happiness in the world, some cats walk a sad and lonely path to get there.

Bruce the cat is one such forlorn soul, but his path finally led him to his forever home.

Found by the Animal Humane Society of Minnesota, Bruce came to their hands in rough shape, the harshness of the world written allover his sad face. He had scars, broken teeth, an eye with old damage, and FIV. Though he was battered, Bruce was so happy to be with caring humans.


@mrwillisthecat/Instagram

And when potential adopters wandered by his kennel at the rescue, Bruce did everything in his power to attract their attention. But the FIV and his sad face left him discounted by many. But, while the sweet orange tabby didn’t know it, he was waiting to meet Sandra, his soon-to-be mom.


@mrwillisthecat/Instagram

A Connection Made

Smitten with Bruce, the staff at AHS wanted to help him find his home. To celebrate Bruce and International Cat Day on August 8th, staff posted his story on Facebook and it was then Sandra saw Bruce’s photos.

Sandra just had to meet him. But she faced a problem. Her landlord didn’t allow animals in her rental. Still, she had to lay eyes on Bruce, in the fur, so to speak.


@mrwillisthecat/Instagram

After seeing his sad face in real life, Sandra left the shelter nearly heartbroken because she couldn’t bring him home. On his Instagram, Bruce shared, “My future human would’ve brought me home right away but she wasn’t allowed to have cats in her apartment.”


@mrwillisthecat/Instagram

Sandra checked in with the kitty online often, but as soon as she heard Bruce was sick with an upper respiratory infection, she rushed to his side. Bruce said, ” I got a cold at the shelter and my FIV made it hard to fight off.”

Sandra came to visit Bruce often, helping to get him back on his paws. And the visits kept up, even after his health improved. One day, Sandra couldn’t take leaving Bruce anymore.

She sent her landlord a picture of Bruce’s sad face…


@mrwillisthecat/Instagram

And the landlord couldn’t resist Bruce’s charm!

Bruce Comes Home

Upon coming home with Sandra, Bruce became the happiest sad cat ever!


@mrwillisthecat/Instagram

The pair settled in straight away and Bruce shared his feelings, “I’m home ❤️ I’m home ❤️ I can’t stop purring.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2QEOIXA_eE/

The “retired stray tomcat” is lonely no more! With a loving family and over 55k Instagram fans, Bruce is surrounded with the love and happiness every cat deserves.


@mrwillisthecat/Instagram

H/T: www.goanimals.co
Feature Image: @mrwillisthecat/Instagram