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It has been nearly 11 days since the 7.8-magnitude earthquake and its aftershocks struck the Turkey-Syria border, and rescues are still underway. As teams try to excavate through the devastation of fallen buildings, they are uncovering surviving people as well as animals. Turkish firefighter Ali Cakas saved a scared cat from the rubble, and the traumatized kitty has been glued to his side ever since.
A video shows the man, still in uniform and protective gear, posing with the feline perched on his shoulder. The black-spotted cat clearly has an appreciation for his hero, as he does not move from the firefighter's side even for a moment. “We named it Enkaz (rubble), because we brought it out of hell,” the firefighter says. “It might sound a little off-putting, but we wanted it to be a memory this way.”
As heartwarming as this rescue has been, people online have also found a way to sympathize with the cat while simultaneously lusting after Cakas. “Uh…not for nothing but I would also not leave this guy’s side,” said Twitter user Paula Matiz. Another person admitted, “I don’t know who is cuter…the man or the kitty.” Despite the comedic thirsting over the firefighter's good looks, though, the common consensus is that Cakas has done something truly wonderful, saving the life of a sweet cat.
So far, no one has come forward to claim Enkaz, but the firefighter is keeping him safe in the meantime, providing food and shelter. “I see a sadness in this cat,” the firefighter said after rescuing him. “I keep it by my side in case the owner comes, but if the owner doesn't come out, I'm thinking of taking him with me. It will be a memory.” Fortunately, Enkaz has found a safe haven after everything he has been through, so we hope this is the start of a beautiful relationship between the cat and his rescuer.
If you want to keep up to date on their adventures, you can follow Cakas on Instagram. The firefighter has also created an Instagram account for Enkaz the cat.
Turkish firefighter Ali Cakas saved a cat from the devastation caused by the Turkey-Syria earthquake.
A cat was saved from under the rubble in Turkey. It now refuses to leave its rescuer's side. pic.twitter.com/Nveaxu3QrG
— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) February 16, 2023
Now, the black-spotted kitty, who Cakas has named Enkaz, refuses to leave his rescuer's side.
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Since no one has come forward as the cat's owner yet, Cakas has basically adopted Enkaz and is caring for the affectionate feline in his home.
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This story has touched people's hearts, but it didn't take long for them to completely sympathize with Enkaz and also lust after Cakas.
Uh…not for nothing but I would also not leave this guy’s side.
— Paula Matiz (@PaulaMatiz2) February 16, 2023
I don’t know who is cuter…the man or the kitty
— lina nowicki (@linanowicki) February 17, 2023
Hmmm ya the cat got good taste lol
— Trinity K. Bonet (@trinitykbonet) February 17, 2023
👉👈😳 I need a 12 month calendar with this dude and the cat STAT! Make it a fundraiser
— Val (@Va1kyre) February 16, 2023
Enkaz: Instagram
Ali Cakas: Instagram
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