It’s always heartening to hear about celebrities who have a soft spot for animals, especially when they go out of their way to rescue those in need. These stories remind us of the bond between humans and animals and how a little compassion can make a huge difference.
Recently, actor Matt Damon shared an incredible story about a cat he rescued from the jungles of Costa Rica. This cat’s journey of survival against all odds has touched many hearts.
The 53-year-old actor, known for his role in Good Will Hunting, appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on April 1, where he recounted the tale of this extraordinary feline. Damon explained that he encountered the cat about ten years ago while staying at an Airbnb in Costa Rica with his family.
The cat, Damon recalled, had been living alone in the wild, fending for itself. “He was living by himself in the jungle. He was the coolest cat,” Damon shared. “He was hunting. He had two giant holes in his side. He was fighting for his life every night.”
During their month-long stay, Damon and his family took the cat under their care. As time went on, the cat began to depend on them for survival. When their stay in Costa Rica came to an end, Damon knew he couldn’t just leave the cat behind.
“He moved into our house,” Damon said. Although they had a backyard for the cat to explore, “he never went outside ever again,” showing just how much the cat valued the safety and comfort of their home.
Later on, the cat was diagnosed with a brain tumor, but Damon was determined to give him the best possible care. “He’s the toughest jungle cat; I’m not gonna let a brain tumor take this cat out,” he confidently told Colbert.
After moving to New York, Damon noticed the cat began losing weight and started walking in circles. Concerned, he took the cat to a specialized vet, a “cat neurologist” named Chad. The neurologist explained that the cat’s quality of life was declining, and suggested they might have to make a difficult decision soon.
However, there was an option to try steroids, which came with some risks but could potentially help. Damon and his family decided to go ahead with the treatment, willing to see how things would unfold.
Remarkably, the cat has thrived since then, surviving for two and a half years and becoming quite muscular. “I joke that he’s like Arnold Schwarzenegger,” Damon quipped. “He looks great!”
The National Park Service has a plan to potentially euthanize up to 170 feral cats under the guise of nuisance control. Demand a policy that protects these cats!
Damon’s story of his resilient cat is a testament to the power of love and care, even in the face of serious challenges. Besides his heroic cat, Damon also mentioned that he has four dogs, further proving his love for animals.
This touching story of Matt Damon’s jungle cat reminds us that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound impact on the lives of animals.