A scruffy, lovable orange rescued tomcat name Bruce Willis, posed with jars of yummy Gerber baby food featuring his likeness. It was a historic first, or so it seemed, that an FIV+ rescue cat became the Gerber Baby! As you can see, the classic blue label featured the kitty’s likeness, and Bruce was all too happy to conduct a taste test of the turkey and gravy flavor.
Hint: The post came on April 1st!
What an amazing rise to stardom for a tomcat that, until recently, was struggling to survive on the streets of Minnesota. After someone finally took him to a shelter, he met his new mom, Sandra, who spotted him online and instantly knew she had to bring him home. Little did she know that Bruce would be a star after submitting a picture! Her kitty was her baby, so why not give it a try?
“Some of you might have seen that Gerber was searching for a new spokesbaby a while ago. You all know how much Bruce loves their baby food, so I decided to submit his picture just for fun 😂 I NEVER expected that Gerber would actually pick him as the winner! 😲 To say that I’m a purroud cat mom would be an understatement 🥰 The new design will be available in stores later this spring 😻,” shared Mr. Willis the Cat.
Images and media via Instagram/mrwillisthecat
Gerber Baby Kitty Bruce Willis the Cat?
As you’ve probably guessed, Bruce Willis was only a pretend Gerber Baby for the April Fool’s Day post. But he sure did look cute on the label, didn’t he?! Personally, we think Gerber may be missing out on an entirely new purroduct line.
After fighting and scraping for his next meal for years, Bruce enjoys tasting so many delights in his furever home, where he’s been pampered for almost four years now.
Bruce licks the blender whisks
“The only ASMR we need 😋🥰”
Video via Instagram/mrwillisthecat
Having little to no former experience with indoor life, this kitty still has some things to learn about life in a tidy home! But, he more than makes up for his less-than-refined manners with ample cuddles and hilarious antics.
Greatest Love Story of All Time
Sandra first spotted Bruce Willis in an Instagram post, which stopped her in her tracks. Although her original plan was to adopt a dog, from that moment, everything changed. She met the charismatic tomcat at the rescue, fell in love, and adopted Bruce in 2019. It was the “greatest love story of all time,” she says.
Before bringing him home, she had to convince her landlord to change his no-pets policy!
Although Bruce is the happiest fellow today, he appeared so sad when Sandra first entered the Animal Humane Society.
Rescuers there cared so much for him, giving him medical care, including surgery, soft blankets, toys, and plenty of food. However, his eyes still told the story of all the hardships he’d experienced.
“You can just see it on his face that he had lived a rough life, and it just broke my heart,” Sandra said. “But then I just looked at him sitting there in his little room, and I knew that I couldn’t leave him there.”
Bruce Willis Has Arrived
After repeat visits, she carried the now 10-year-old (his exact age is unknown) kitty home in a pink carrier. “Welcome home!” she said, as she opened the door to a magical new place. Soon after, he was purring like a baby! (see video below)
Images via Animal Humane Society
Amazingly, he instantly knew he would be safe and cherished forever. After years of hardships, he was happy, playful, and enjoying the retired life he deserved. Instead of looking forlorn and forgotten, he was seen, appreciated, and loved. As you can see, his expression went from sad to overjoyed and so fully content. It’s pawsitively heartwarming!
Today, his thousands of fans adore seeing Bruce having the time of his life in retirement.
“That feeling when you get fresh and clean bed sheets.”
It’s another wonderful example of the unconditional love and a sense of purpose you can receive by adopting a senior cat. They sure do appreciate every bit of kindness you show them.
“I’m home, but my friends at the shelter are still patiently waiting and filled with hope,” Bruce said on AHS. “Together, we can help them. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: animal lovers like you save lives. I know because you saved mine.”
You can follow Bruce Willis, the kitty, on Instagram and Facebook and the Animal Humane Society on Instagram and Facebook.
Here’s an adorable video about Bruce Willis by The Dodo:
