Despite their reputation for being independent and solitary creatures, cats are known to form deep bonds with their human caregivers. A recent viral post from Gaziantep, Turkey, showed just how strong these bonds can be, even in the most trying circumstances. When a devastating earthquake struck the region, trapping people and animals under rubble, one lucky cat found an unlikely rescuer in firefighter Ali Cakas.
After working tirelessly to save human lives and recover bodies, Cakas was shocked to hear a faint meowing coming from the rubble. Determined to save the animal, he dug deeper until he found a dust-covered cat that had been trapped for ten days. But what was even more surprising was the cat’s refusal to leave Cakas’ side. The feline climbed up onto his shoulder and refused to let go, even as Cakas continued working with his team.
It wasn’t until later that ABC news discovered that Cakas is not only a firefighter, but also a world-class mountain biker and coach for the Turkish national team. He took the cat, which he named “Enkas” (meaning “rubble” in Turkish), home and officially adopted him. Now, Rubble the cat is not only a beloved companion to Cakas, but also the official mascot of his fire department. This heartwarming story serves as a reminder of the deep connections that can form between humans and animals, even in the midst of tragedy.
Watch the video below:
