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After Convincing Landlord, Woman Brings The Saddest Stray Cat Home, A Year Later, He’s Unrecognizable
Meet Mister Bruce Willis. Not the hard-edged badass one we used to see on the big screen, but this one is definitely a fighter, too. Mister Willis is a cat who started his story as “the saddest cat.” He looked as if the struggles of being a stray cat roaming the streets for years were written in his eyes. It took him years to finally find a loving owner—Sandra, who, ironically, also had to go through quite a few obstacles to bring him home.
6-year-old Mister Willis had significant health issues: scars, an eye injury, chipped teeth, tested positive for feline immunodeficiency virus, and eventually caught a few infections at the shelter. Despite his rough looks and unfortunate fate, he was “the sweetest and the most affectionate boy around,” but he couldn’t find a family who was willing to take care of him. Sandra saw a post from Animal Humane Society in Minnesota about Mister Willis on International Cat Day, and her heart dropped. Sandra had no intentions of getting a furry friend, especially when pets were not allowed according to her lease, but she couldn’t leave him and kept visiting him regularly at the shelter in hopes he’d find his human. After a month, she was able to convince the landlord that Mister Willis deserved a loving home. He was perfect because of his imperfections.
In just a year with Sandra, the orange tabby changed unrecognizably—he went from the “saddest” to the “happiest” cat, who is now warming hearts on Instagram with 94.4k followers.
Check out Mister Willis’ full story below!
More info: Instagram | Facebook | youtube.com
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Bruce Willis was wandering the streets for years until at around 6 years old, he was rescued by the local humane society
Image credits: mrwillisthecat
He had battle scars, an eye injury, chipped teeth, and was FIV positive, which led to catching a cold and upper respiratory infection at the shelter
Image credits: mrwillisthecat
But the most heartbreaking thing about him was the saddest look in his eyes
Image credits: mrwillisthecat
The weeks passed by and he was still at the shelter, so they labeled him as a “forget me not”
Image credits: mrwillisthecat
Until one day, Sandra, who had no intentions of getting a cat, saw him in an Instagram post and her heart sank
Image credits: mrwillisthecat
“I saw Mister Willis the first time in a post that the Animal Humane Society in Minnesota uploaded in August last year. There was something about his eyes that just spoke to me. He looked so sad. I knew I couldn’t do anything about it since my lease didn’t allow pets and I was also not planning on getting a cat. Even so, I had to go and visit him. He looked even sadder in real life and I had to leave after only a couple of minutes because it was so heartbreaking. For some reason, I kept going back to visit him. He is FIV positive, which isn’t a big deal, but since he was at an animal shelter with lots of other pets, he got an upper respiratory infection. He was really sick for a while. I hoped that someone would adopt him, but he was still there, week after week,” Sandra told Bored Panda.
Image credits: mrwillisthecat
She convinced her landlord with a “no pets” rule that Mister Willis was worth making an exception, and their lives changed forever
Image credits: mrwillisthecat
“Eventually, I decided to ask my landlord for permission to get him, and I was really surprised when I was granted an exception. I brought him home the following day. He went from being the saddest cat to the happiest cat I’ve seen in only a couple of hours. He purred all night long and wouldn’t leave my side.”
Image credits: mrwillisthecat
The first night at home, he wouldn’t stop purring
Image credits: mrwillisthecat
“Mister Willis is FIV positive. It stands for feline immunodeficiency virus and it’s not as scary as it sounds. It basically means that he has a weaker immune system than ‘normal’ cats. When I first got him, he had a cold, ear infection, and eye infection that he got at the shelter. It was a little harder for him to fight it off because he’s FIV+ but he eventually did, and right now, I can’t notice his disease at all. I’m just making sure I’m doing what I can to keep him happy and healthy.”
It’s been a year since Mister Willis found his furrever home, and he’s transformed unrecognizably
Image credits: mrwillisthecat
“I’ve had him for a year now and we’ve had our ups and downs. He was very sick for a while and we had to go to the vet all the time. Luckily, he was able to fight off all the infections and today, he’s a happy and healthy cat.”
Image credits: mrwillisthecat
Image credits: mrwillisthecat
Image credits: mrwillisthecat
Image credits: mrwillisthecat
Image credits: mrwillisthecat
Image credits: mrwillisthecat
Image credits: mrwillisthecat
Image credits: mrwillisthecat
Image credits: mrwillisthecat
Image credits: mrwillisthecat
Image credits: mrwillisthecat
Image credits: mrwillisthecat
Image credits: mrwillisthecat
Image credits: mrwillisthecat
Image credits: mrwillisthecat
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What do you think ?
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 4 years ago
Mr.Bruce Willis has turned into such a handsome cat through your love and dedication- thank you for rescuing him and giving him another lease at life. Rescued animals are generally so lovin because they seem to know that you saved them from a life of living in the shelter or an even worse fate. Bruce makes me think of "Ben Ben", who was also deemed one of the "saddest cats" and couldn't find a forever home until a loving couple finally adopted him.
Kisses4Katie 4 years ago
I thought this was BenBen at first- I'm so thankful this furbuddy is in his home now.
Load More Replies...
Kiss Army 4 years ago (edited)
You're landlord is awesome for allowing an exemption for this special kitty. You are an angel on Earth for giving him an wonderful home full of love!
Bill Bendick 4 years ago
I could not have said it better ! God bless the landlord,MR WILLIS, & his very pretty " mom'
Load More Replies...
Hooked 4 years ago
I get so jealous reading these post because I'm severely allergic to cats and just can't have one in my house. If I could I would probably be a crazy cat lady because I would adopt them all. Yes I'm single ;-)
politecat 42 4 years ago
You can get one of the hypo-allogenic breeds. Or a sphinx hairless cat
Load More Replies...
Dorothy Parker 4 years ago
Thank you thank you thank you. What a mitzvah you did. Bruce must feel like the luckiest Tom ever. And he might well be.
Nicole Tomme 4 years ago
What a sweet furry baby. You saved him and he is now living the happy, healthy, love-soaked life he deserves. Gos bless you.
Kim Bush 4 years ago
Bless the landlord for making the exception, I hope that they also let the other tenants adopt after this story. And thank you for making the commitment to care for such a special and deserving soul.
Ashley Kirk 4 years ago
What a transformation! This is so wonderful <3 Thank you for loving him to healthiness & happiness!
Christina Uhlir 4 years ago
A great surprise to some people: animals are not a worthless, stupid things which we have the right to exploit, torture, and kill. They are breathing, feeling, sentient beings - all animals, including farm animals - they are appreciative, loyal, and love us unconditionally. -- "If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain --- "If a man loves cats, I'm his friend and comrade, without further introduction." - Mark Twain (1835 - 1910) American writer
Kat Rogers 4 years ago
THEE MOST FABULOUSLY WONDERFUL STORY EEEEVERRRR! He IS Unrecognizable~ OMG, HE'S THE HAPPIEST CUTE BOY, AND I'M Not Crying! 😭😄 And, THIS is all because AN ANGEL FELT SUCH LOVE & COMPASSION... God Bless Her AND Brucie~Baby (I already have a nickname for him, His Happiness~ like His Highness~ OK, 2 nicknames!), And May THEY Have Thee Most Amazing Life Together 💞 🐈💖
Diana Warburton 4 years ago
I have a "street thug" and he's the same way. Sweet and Loving and so Happy to Live the Good Life. # savethemall
Pauline Bennett 4 years ago
It's a wonderful story about a beautiful cat and a beautiful person. If there were more people in the world like this lady, we could keep animals out of shelters. There are a lot of feral kitty critters out there if you get off your butts and look for them. All it takes is love to make them whole.
Rebecca Broscombe-Adams 4 years ago
So lovely. All the best pets (and people) are a bit wonky x
Dotzilla 4 years ago (edited)
This is such a heartwarming story. It makes me happy to hear that someone would do such a loving thing, and help a hurt cat. 💕
Irene Walton 4 years ago
oh thank you for this story! I cried, and thank God for people like her
Cecile Desjardins 4 years ago
How the look in his eyes changed ! How hard it must have been for this friendly cat to be alone all those years
Kee Hua Chee 4 years ago
Divine angels are often disguised as abandoned ugly street strays as God tests those with hearts of gold
If you downvoted me, you're the problem. 4 years ago
Oh thank you to the drs and his new Mom. We all deserve a chance.💜🙏
Eliana Mount 4 years ago (edited)
Oh my gosh. This story was so heartwarming and great! (ᴗ ͜ʖ ᴗ)
Tina Hugh 4 years ago
Thanks for the reminder that not all humans suck. Props to your landlord too
Faith Nicole 4 years ago
Such a handsome boy 🥰 this story brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for having such a beautiful heart and a huge thank you to your landlord! I, of course, went to Instagram and found your page and you have just gained a new friend for life mr willis♡
Lyone Fein 4 years ago
Thank you so much for taking in this beautiful little kitty. You have made such a great change in his life. My own five cats are very happy to hear about your wonderful story!
Aniza Borhan 4 years ago
You are such an adorable cat, Bruce Willis and have gotten yourself a wonderful "master" and both of you will be adorable buddies... love and kisses to Mr. Willis...
okpkpkp 4 years ago
No more fighting, watching your back or looking for food for you, Bruce. Well done, human. At one time we had eight strays but now we have four. All cats are between 11 and 17 years old and we love them all dearly until one brings in a baby lizard. My wife screams and I have to take it back outside.
Elaine Mattingly 4 years ago
He had lost all hope and now you put the light back in his eyes.Thank you.
Phil Boswell 4 years ago
That is one gorgeous cat, both he and his human are very lucky to have met each other❣
Jackie Wacky 4 years ago
This is so lovely: it says it all that Bruce Willis wouldn’t stop purring when he spent his first night in ih furrever home - and that beautiful kitty smile says it all! What a sweet lady for adopting him, too.
AnnieLaurie Burke 4 years ago (edited)
Mr. Willis has such a sweet, loving expression. Just like his Mom.
Catherine Elizabeth 4 years ago
I’m not crying, you’re crying! I’m so glad he was rescued. It takes a special person to take on all that. I’m so glad they found each other. Excuse me while I go cuddle my cat now...
Denise Mclean 4 years ago
What a Transformation. You have changed his life completely and he loves you so much because you cared. You really do have a Furever Friend that will never leave your side. That alone is your reward for your kindness. Thank you for being so kind to this poor soul. He is the happiest cat I have ever seen.
katboxjanitor 4 years ago
That is a truly wonderful turn-around for MR. Bruce Willis and a nice landlord
Judy Watson 4 years ago
What and a kind heart she has,, I love beat up tom's, I've had many and they are just so grateful to have a home food and Love,,=*..*=,
HigherthantheSky 4 years ago
Just incase you don't know, FIV = feline immunodeficiency Virus. It's similar to HIV = human immunodeficiency virus
sharron lynn parsons 4 years ago
It's easy to understand, you saw his need for you, thanks for saving him, so many unwanted animals, a very painful thought, all of my pets, were rescues, I have two cats at this time, I have had dogs, I love all animals, each one has made me, a happier person !!!
Flame Phoenix 4 years ago
What a dapper little man, I'm glad that he got a new home! Kudos to the landlord and owner!
Elena Johnson 4 years ago
What a handsome guy and so photogenic. He needs a calendar, I’m sure he’d be a willing and co-operative model, not like one of those meowie, prissy lived all his life in a condo cat. 😽
Abinico Arts 4 years ago
Keep him healthy by minimizing dry kibble and giving more wet food and raw foods like chicken liver (raw) or even toss him a chicken (or turkey) leg (raw of course). NOTE: raw bones are OK - they granulate when chewed on - cooked bones not OK since they splinter. Also add a good supplement to diet - something like NuVet. (nuvet.com).
kkathleen517 4 years ago
Oh man, I had to stop scrolling for a min cause I was going to cry..his little face in the shelter pictures. Thank you God for good people
Eunice Probert 4 years ago
Bless you for adopting him (and for your landlord for letting you). Mr Willis is gorgeous! I love that one pic where he's smiling.
Jennifer Marshall 4 years ago
Love, love, love, love! Super uplifting! Yay for shelter kitties! And the people who adopt them!
Penny Stutzman 4 years ago
I think mr.willis is sooooo cite. Im so happy for him. Wonderful story!!
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife 4 years ago
Mr.Bruce Willis has turned into such a handsome cat through your love and dedication- thank you for rescuing him and giving him another lease at life. Rescued animals are generally so lovin because they seem to know that you saved them from a life of living in the shelter or an even worse fate. Bruce makes me think of "Ben Ben", who was also deemed one of the "saddest cats" and couldn't find a forever home until a loving couple finally adopted him.
Kisses4Katie 4 years ago
I thought this was BenBen at first- I'm so thankful this furbuddy is in his home now.
Load More Replies... Kiss Army 4 years ago (edited)
You're landlord is awesome for allowing an exemption for this special kitty. You are an angel on Earth for giving him an wonderful home full of love!
Bill Bendick 4 years ago
I could not have said it better ! God bless the landlord,MR WILLIS, & his very pretty " mom'
Load More Replies... Hooked 4 years ago
I get so jealous reading these post because I'm severely allergic to cats and just can't have one in my house. If I could I would probably be a crazy cat lady because I would adopt them all. Yes I'm single ;-)
politecat 42 4 years ago
You can get one of the hypo-allogenic breeds. Or a sphinx hairless cat
Load More Replies... Dorothy Parker 4 years ago
Thank you thank you thank you. What a mitzvah you did. Bruce must feel like the luckiest Tom ever. And he might well be.
Nicole Tomme 4 years ago
What a sweet furry baby. You saved him and he is now living the happy, healthy, love-soaked life he deserves. Gos bless you.
Kim Bush 4 years ago
Bless the landlord for making the exception, I hope that they also let the other tenants adopt after this story. And thank you for making the commitment to care for such a special and deserving soul.
Ashley Kirk 4 years ago
What a transformation! This is so wonderful <3 Thank you for loving him to healthiness & happiness!
Christina Uhlir 4 years ago
A great surprise to some people: animals are not a worthless, stupid things which we have the right to exploit, torture, and kill. They are breathing, feeling, sentient beings - all animals, including farm animals - they are appreciative, loyal, and love us unconditionally. -- "If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain --- "If a man loves cats, I'm his friend and comrade, without further introduction." - Mark Twain (1835 - 1910) American writer
Kat Rogers 4 years ago
THEE MOST FABULOUSLY WONDERFUL STORY EEEEVERRRR! He IS Unrecognizable~ OMG, HE'S THE HAPPIEST CUTE BOY, AND I'M Not Crying! 😭😄 And, THIS is all because AN ANGEL FELT SUCH LOVE & COMPASSION... God Bless Her AND Brucie~Baby (I already have a nickname for him, His Happiness~ like His Highness~ OK, 2 nicknames!), And May THEY Have Thee Most Amazing Life Together 💞 🐈💖
Diana Warburton 4 years ago
I have a "street thug" and he's the same way. Sweet and Loving and so Happy to Live the Good Life. # savethemall
Pauline Bennett 4 years ago
It's a wonderful story about a beautiful cat and a beautiful person. If there were more people in the world like this lady, we could keep animals out of shelters. There are a lot of feral kitty critters out there if you get off your butts and look for them. All it takes is love to make them whole.
Rebecca Broscombe-Adams 4 years ago
So lovely. All the best pets (and people) are a bit wonky x
Dotzilla 4 years ago (edited)
This is such a heartwarming story. It makes me happy to hear that someone would do such a loving thing, and help a hurt cat. 💕
Irene Walton 4 years ago
oh thank you for this story! I cried, and thank God for people like her
Cecile Desjardins 4 years ago
How the look in his eyes changed ! How hard it must have been for this friendly cat to be alone all those years
Kee Hua Chee 4 years ago
Divine angels are often disguised as abandoned ugly street strays as God tests those with hearts of gold
If you downvoted me, you're the problem. 4 years ago
Oh thank you to the drs and his new Mom. We all deserve a chance.💜🙏
Eliana Mount 4 years ago (edited)
Oh my gosh. This story was so heartwarming and great! (ᴗ ͜ʖ ᴗ)
Tina Hugh 4 years ago
Thanks for the reminder that not all humans suck. Props to your landlord too
Faith Nicole 4 years ago
Such a handsome boy 🥰 this story brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for having such a beautiful heart and a huge thank you to your landlord! I, of course, went to Instagram and found your page and you have just gained a new friend for life mr willis♡
Lyone Fein 4 years ago
Thank you so much for taking in this beautiful little kitty. You have made such a great change in his life. My own five cats are very happy to hear about your wonderful story!
Aniza Borhan 4 years ago
You are such an adorable cat, Bruce Willis and have gotten yourself a wonderful "master" and both of you will be adorable buddies... love and kisses to Mr. Willis...
okpkpkp 4 years ago
No more fighting, watching your back or looking for food for you, Bruce. Well done, human. At one time we had eight strays but now we have four. All cats are between 11 and 17 years old and we love them all dearly until one brings in a baby lizard. My wife screams and I have to take it back outside.
Elaine Mattingly 4 years ago
He had lost all hope and now you put the light back in his eyes.Thank you.
Phil Boswell 4 years ago
That is one gorgeous cat, both he and his human are very lucky to have met each other❣
Jackie Wacky 4 years ago
This is so lovely: it says it all that Bruce Willis wouldn’t stop purring when he spent his first night in ih furrever home - and that beautiful kitty smile says it all! What a sweet lady for adopting him, too.
AnnieLaurie Burke 4 years ago (edited)
Mr. Willis has such a sweet, loving expression. Just like his Mom.
Catherine Elizabeth 4 years ago
I’m not crying, you’re crying! I’m so glad he was rescued. It takes a special person to take on all that. I’m so glad they found each other. Excuse me while I go cuddle my cat now...
Denise Mclean 4 years ago
What a Transformation. You have changed his life completely and he loves you so much because you cared. You really do have a Furever Friend that will never leave your side. That alone is your reward for your kindness. Thank you for being so kind to this poor soul. He is the happiest cat I have ever seen.
katboxjanitor 4 years ago
That is a truly wonderful turn-around for MR. Bruce Willis and a nice landlord
Judy Watson 4 years ago
What and a kind heart she has,, I love beat up tom's, I've had many and they are just so grateful to have a home food and Love,,=*..*=,
HigherthantheSky 4 years ago
Just incase you don't know, FIV = feline immunodeficiency Virus. It's similar to HIV = human immunodeficiency virus
sharron lynn parsons 4 years ago
It's easy to understand, you saw his need for you, thanks for saving him, so many unwanted animals, a very painful thought, all of my pets, were rescues, I have two cats at this time, I have had dogs, I love all animals, each one has made me, a happier person !!!
Flame Phoenix 4 years ago
What a dapper little man, I'm glad that he got a new home! Kudos to the landlord and owner!
Elena Johnson 4 years ago
What a handsome guy and so photogenic. He needs a calendar, I’m sure he’d be a willing and co-operative model, not like one of those meowie, prissy lived all his life in a condo cat. 😽
Abinico Arts 4 years ago
Keep him healthy by minimizing dry kibble and giving more wet food and raw foods like chicken liver (raw) or even toss him a chicken (or turkey) leg (raw of course). NOTE: raw bones are OK - they granulate when chewed on - cooked bones not OK since they splinter. Also add a good supplement to diet - something like NuVet. (nuvet.com).
kkathleen517 4 years ago
Oh man, I had to stop scrolling for a min cause I was going to cry..his little face in the shelter pictures. Thank you God for good people
Eunice Probert 4 years ago
Bless you for adopting him (and for your landlord for letting you). Mr Willis is gorgeous! I love that one pic where he's smiling.
Jennifer Marshall 4 years ago
Love, love, love, love! Super uplifting! Yay for shelter kitties! And the people who adopt them!
Penny Stutzman 4 years ago
I think mr.willis is sooooo cite. Im so happy for him. Wonderful story!!
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