Rufus the Baby Bobcat Kitten
Est DOB 10/1/11 – 4/26/2012
Rufus the blind bobcat kitten was believed to have been hit by a car on Dec 4th in South Carolina. He weighed just 4.2lbs, had a broken jaw, split canine and was comatose.
After he woke up from the coma he was pretty loopy, the South Carolina rehabber figured the impact had done brain damage. They had to wire the jaw shut, tube feed him and remove the broken canine. He was taken in by Big Cat Rescue on Feb 12th 2012, he’s now eating solids on his own and doing much better despite walking into walls and getting stuck in corners. He was having bad and frequent seizures, but those have almost subsided.
Rufus had a seizure around noon today. It was a typical one for him. Later on around 2 he had a more severe episode and was taken inside to the cat hospital. He had a high temperature and was not coherent.
He was given an injection of medication to sedate him and to stop the seizure. He rested for a couple of hours and his temperature was brought down with cool cloths and ice packs.
At 5 he began to wake up and had another severe episode and then suddenly he stopped breathing.
Every attempt was made to resuscitate him, however we were unsuccessful.
He quietly slipped away on his own terms.
He will be missed dearly by everyone who got to know him and of his story. He was a special little boy who touched many of our hearts.
Jamie took this photo of Rufus just before he died when he was lazing in the sun, listening to the birds.
Thank you to everyone who made it possible to give his such loving care; especially the Skip A Holics and his staff here.
Find out more about our Bobcat Rehab program.
Tributes to Rufus Bobcat
Susan Reed Apr 29, 2012
Rufus, you were particularly special to me and my husband who was blinded in Viet Name (USMC). Mike eagerly awaits my stories about my volunteering and all the happenings at the sanctuary. Although he has never been on a tour, he feels he knows and loves all the cats intimately through me. But Rufus was different — we had a special affinity because of his blindness. Mike was so inspired by him and offered suggestions on how to help him with his disability. He would often tell me that the spirit can overcome any obstacle; and, despite his blindness, Rufus would find a way to cope. When he became Shaniqua’s neighbor during the day, I would describe his antics to Mike, how he gingerly explored the perimeter of his enclosure, his fear of loud noises, and his absolute joy to be outdoors listening to the birds. On Friday, the 20th, I paused in the front section to watch Rufus. He was keenly aware of my presence, intently and calmly listening to me clean Shaniqua’s enclosure. He seemed to sense that I was a kindred spirit. But I had to stop myself from laughing out loud when he lost interest and scampered off to play with a leaf. This last Friday, I stopped by his enclosure to comtemplate the enormous loss I felt. Inside the enclosure was a beautiful yellow swallowtail floating playfully around. After several minutes, it flew gently out of the cage. It came towards me, perched momentarily on the edge of my bucket, then began to circle me closely, brushing my shoulder. The butterfly circled higher and higher and ascended toward the heavens. That was a sign from Rufus — he was teling me that he was light and free, no longer in pain, no longer in darkness. I will forever lovingly remember Rufus when I see a yellow swallowtail. He touched all of our hearts—that beautiful little boy. His was a lesson of bravery, strength, spirit and love.
Afton Tasler Apr 28, 2012
I am very saddened to hear Rufus is no longer with us. He was such a joy to watch, and I feel blessed to have been a part of his short life. I was just out there filling his water bowl on Monday,trying to be so quiet, but of course he heard me and came bouncing on his back feet over to me. He proceeded to bounce right into the water bowl. Too cute and funny!! Let his spirit free and now he can SEE all the wonderful people who cared for him so much before he left us!
Lynda Licht Apr 28, 2012
“Death is no more than passing from one room into another. But there’s a difference for me, you know. Because in that other room I shall be able to see.”
― Helen Keller
Rufus, you saw right through to our generous souls and opened our hearts to unconditional love. May the memory of your boundless spirit remind us to include more playfulness in our lives.
Meredith Pennino Apr 28, 2012
Rufus, you were a very precious boy, and all who knew you, whether caring for you directly, volunteers who diligently work at the sanctuary and knew of you but may have not ever have met you, and the Skipaholics and BCR supporters who watched your camera feed and updates, loved you very, very much. On Monday, double-checking the cougar section, I went to see you in your outside enclosure. I witnessed your seizure (this activity was also observed by Gale, Jamie and Jen). You were brought back to the cat hospital, but ultimately it was your time to be called home to join the other precious cats who’ve passed before you. I’m thoroughly saddened by having to say goodbye to you, our adorable, sweet baby boy, but I know you had the absolute best care provided. I will especially miss seeing you bounce around your half of the cat hospital, your back paws that seemed way too big for a bobcat your size, and your snaggle tooth (a result of your head injury that all your issues and brought you to us). <3
Unknown Apr 27, 2012
Those are very sad news for all of us that got to meet you, even through the internet. You were a symbol for your specie and got to do your part in bringing more people together towards the conservation of Bobs and wild Cats as a whole.
I will deeply miss seeing your boucing paws around the cage at day time. You will always be truly special! But when is time to run free there is nothig we can do.
Be free!
Unknown Apr 27, 2012
We had so many hopes for this little guy and I looked forward to watching him grow up. What a very sad day. We will miss his adorable face and his bright spirit.
Unknown Apr 27, 2012
I got to see you briefly when the staff had the hospital doors open. I knew you were a very special cat and that everyone that got to see & meet you were going to fall in love with you. I am so glad I had the chance to see you and you will be missed. Run free little one.
Regina Rinaldi Apr 27, 2012
I expect the geriatric cats, but not the young ones. Rufus was a joy to babysit and never failed to make me smile bumping into things and hopping while he ran. Even though he was sight impaired he enjoyed his life, his keepers, his surroundings as much as we enjoyed him. He felt unconditional love as did we. He will be missed by all.
BethAnn Bluder Apr 27, 2012
It was a special day When I got to “babysit” you. You were so funny to watch as you explored the enclosure. you brought a smile to everyone who saw you and you will be missed.
Unknown Apr 27, 2012
Oh Rufus, you wonderful little “wood sprite!” At least that is how you seemed to me a happy little creature of the forest. It was a delight to watch you explore the great outdoors! Your lively antics, escape attempts, and strong spirit will be with me always. I am honored that I was able to help care for you. I am hoping that your short time with us brought you love and joy as I know that is what you brought to us. Play free charming boy!
Carole Baskin Apr 27, 2012
Even though we knew it was touch and go for him every day, he just seemed so happy and content in between episodes that we all find it hard to believe that he is gone. In just four months he touched so many people and brought so many together for the well being and safe keeping of his kind. What a brave little angel.
More Memorials at http://bigcatrescue.org/category/memorials/
RIP sweet Rufus <3.
RIP Rufas we will miss you.
<3
The tears will stop eventually but you will always be in my heart, RIP our sweet baby rufus , 3.
Rufus, You are now at peace and will be able to play and frolic with all the other animals on the other side who have gone before you. Rest in Peace little one and we will all be together again!
R.I.P precious one! You will never be forgotten! :'(
You will be missed dearly precious baby ♥ :*(.
RIP Rufus…you warmed the hearts of so many, you were loved by so many and will be missed dearly! <3
RIP sweet baby Rufus…I am really going to miss watching you. You will always be in my heart! <3
what happened to Rufus?
:'(
Rufus, I will love you forever. I will never ever forget you! I miss you already! <3
I sure loved this little baby bob. Rest in peace, Rufus.
Forever in our hearts. RIP Rufus and run free ♥.
Rest in peace, baby boy <3.
RIP sweet Rufus. You always made me smile.
The moment I saw Rufus I fell in love, and that moment changed my life forever. They say that cats leave pawprints on your heart. Rufus, my sweet baby bob, you left one that will be there forever, until the day I die and we meet at the Bridge. Until that day comes, know that you were loved and cherished by many who feel the same way I do.Though you were tiny and lived a life far too short, your impact traveled the world many times over, and you will never, ever be forgotten.
Rufus, you were a little candle that shone in our dreary lives. You made us laugh at your antics of jumping and headbonking into legs. You made us cry when we found out that you having some problems. We loved your personality , charisma and how you wooed us with your cutesy little face. We were heads over heels with you. Now that you are gone but you are not gone. You have a special place in our hearts and lives. Run free over to the Rainbow Bridge and be wild that the way you are supposed to be. Rest in peace eternally , Rufus.
Did Rufus receive any medications to treat the seizures? Were they ineffective? How sad. 🙁
You will never be forgotten. I warms my heart just a little to see that just 24 hours before you left us you looked so very healthy and happy.
I'm so sorry 🙁 That poor little boy. At least he knew love and caring from the BCR team.
So sad! But at least some special people did everything they could to help him.
I just saw the news. I'm shocked and so sad to hear that lil' Rufus has left us. He was such a special & sweet boy. I hope he's free of all suffering now and running around with Cloe & Bobbi Blue~God Speed Rufus.
Rufus, you will be missed greatly by many of us who fell in love with you as we watched you grow. We also worried about your seizures and we all wished that they would have gone away entirely for you. We loved your cute little quivering tail that showed your love for the people who took such great care of you. We are greatly saddened by your passing but know that your sight has been restored and your seizures are gone and there is no more pain for you. Enjoy your new life with all of the other cats from Big Cat Rescue! We will meet again at the Rainbow Bridge. <3
Deeply shocked and saddened by this but comforted in the knowledge that because of BCR Rufus had as good a quality of life as was possible and a happy one. He touched my heart from the first and I will always feel lucky and privileged to have been part of the team who watched over him. Gone far too soon, he will never be forgotten. Run free and play at the Bridge dear Rufus, your sight and health restored. I know that Rainbow Bridge has a very special place for wild cats too ❤.
Thank you Jamie, for giving us this last photograph and to all at BCR, the staff, vols and advocats for everything you did for this sweet baby boy. Bless you all xXx.
Rest in peace sweet Rufus… So many people loved you and you will never be forgotten! Thank you Big Cat Rescue for all you've done for Rufus and all the cats you take in and care for! So very sorry for all.
Rufus I will miss you, I fell in love with you from day 1, rest in peace little guy you will forever be in my heart <3 Thank BCR for all you do!
Rest in peace baby boy…I love you <3.
I still can't believe it. It's starting to sink in. Run and play babybob. Know that you're ALWAYS to be remembered. WE ALL LOVE YOU SO MUCH.
Rest in peace beautiful baby Rufus. Love you so much! Forever! <3
Rest in peace beautiful baby boy. Love you so much Rufus! Forever! <3
Will never forget you Rufus! You’ll be loved and missed forever!!!! Rest in peace.
Although you were only here a short time Rufus, you inspired so many and brought so much love to our hearts. Now you are running free into the wild again with all the other angel animals. Love you and miss you so much already :*(.
Poor little Rufus! At least he spent his last days being cuddled, loved, cared for, getting time in the sun, and so on. I will miss watching you walk through your water bowl you sweet silly little boy! Run free, and see for miles across that Rainbow Bridge beautiful boy!
Poor baby, how sad. Makes me want to cry!
:'-(
So heart broken to hear of Rufus' passing 🙁 He really touched the lives of so many and made the world a little brighter! Shine on and rest in peace!
Our most beautiful Baby Bobcat boy, you will be missed more than one could ever realize. You brought many so much joy by your existence and my heart is breaking into a thousand pieces at your passing. You will always be remembered. RIP, Baby Rufus, it seems you had to go on to a bigger life.
I just found out that little Rufus has left this earth. He was such a character and will surely be missed. RIP little fella. At least he had happy days while he was in your care. Thank you, BCR, for doing all you could for this little guy while he was in your care.
R.I.P. RUFUS
Very sad to find out that Rufus is gone. Was hoping for a happier ending to your story, but at least you are no longer in pain and having seizures…and are probably catching your own prey now in Heaven. God bless you little guy!
I just cried a little…
We "adopted" Rufus when he first came to BCR. His picture is on the wall next to our cats' indoor jungle gym. Hard to read still even a year later.
We will never forget you darling Baby Rufus, RIP sweetheart! <3
I miss him!!!! :((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((