A woman from Ohio has moved the internet to tears by sharing the story of a stray cat that appeared at her door years after her childhood cat passed away. The new cat bore striking similarities to her late feline friend, sparking an emotional connection.
Iris Kessler, 25, a videographer, posted the story on TikTok where it quickly went viral, receiving over 1 million likes and 3 million views.
Kessler’s beloved black cat, Voodoo, came into her life when she was 18. Her mother found him at a shelter, where he had been the longest resident—a “grumpy black cat with a little white patch under his chin.” Though shy at first, Voodoo soon warmed up and became Kessler’s best friend. They even shared the same birthday, according to shelter records.
Voodoo was both an indoor and outdoor cat. Over the years, he developed glaucoma in one eye, which turned silver, and had a chipped ear from outdoor fights. Voodoo passed away naturally in her father’s arms on a Friday the 13th, shortly after her high school graduation.
Four years later, while starting her senior year of college, Kessler noticed a black cat on her porch. She immediately saw the cat had the same clouded eye and chipped ear as Voodoo. This cat, named Limbo, had more white fur, which Kessler believed symbolized his “second life.” Over months, she built a bond with Limbo, who eventually moved inside her home on Halloween.
A veterinarian confirmed Limbo was a male cat, about seven or eight years old—unusually old for a stray. Despite his tough past, Kessler was eager to give him a safe, loving home.
In a surprising twist, Limbo began using the toilet like a human—a behavior Kessler never taught him.
When Kessler prepared to move back to her hometown with Limbo, his health suddenly worsened. An emergency vet visit showed fluid in his lungs and irreversible damage from life on the streets. Kessler stayed by his side as he was put down.
Limbo’s ashes now rest in a box engraved with the words: “A friend when I had none.” Kessler called him exactly that—a true friend during a lonely time.
She reflected, “I feel lucky to have experienced this—whether it’s reincarnation, coincidence, or just love.” She encouraged others not to be ashamed of how deeply pets affect their lives.
The story resonated widely on TikTok, with many viewers expressing belief in reincarnation and sharing how deeply they were touched by Kessler’s experience.
Related topics:
