Cat Who Survived A Fire Helps Other Animals On The Road To Recovery

This is Russell. His strange, patchy fur is the result of being badly burned in an accidental house fire over a year ago.

While in recovery at a North Carolina animal hospital, Russell has become somewhat a minor celebrity as well as a vital volunteer.

Happy Caturday! Russell had a new procedure done to his leg and is wearing an e-collar now that the bandage has been removed. We decided if you have to wear an e-collar – do it in style. Happy Spring!

Posted by Animal Emergency Hospital and Urgent Care on Saturday, April 25, 2015

And at the clinic, Russell often sits with the folks in the animal hospital waiting room, some of whom are having really awful days.

Happy Valentine’s Day from the most popular cat around! Pictures, video, and many thanks to come!

Posted by Animal Emergency Hospital and Urgent Care on Friday, February 14, 2014

Russell has also taken it upon himself to act as a nurse and therapist to other injured animals at the hospital.

“He wants to be friends with every animal. He’s a very inquisitive cat. A very loving little cat. …it is utterly clear that he does something very special for everyone who gets to know him. He helps give them some hope, him being such a little cat of perseverance,” Vet tech Megan Maus told the Huffington Post about Russell.

Darla and Russell would like everyone to know that they’re going to be on the evening news! Special thanks to ABC11…

Posted by Animal Emergency Hospital and Urgent Care on Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Dogs, cats, squirrels and even a baby deer have been on the receiving end of his adorable cuddles. Russell doesn’t discriminate!

After a couple dozen surgeries and other treatments, Russell isn’t completely well yet — and his home isn’t totally rebuilt, either. The good news is, the vets at Animal Hospital and Urgent Care are happy to have his service for as long as he needs to stay.

“He helps give them some hope,” Maus says. “Him being such a little cat of perseverance.”