'If we can't find the owner, I'll adopt it': 129 hours after earthquake handsome firefighter saves pristine white cat from rubble, she becomes symbol of survival and hope

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Briana Viser • Writer and Editor
Jan 25, 2026 3:00 PM EST

"Unable to find the owner, and unwilling to leave the cat behind, firefighter Ali Çakas adopted Enkaz."

We don't hear stories like this every day, but when we do, it sparks beams of hope as if a halation on a neon sign of joy is lighted inside of us. The difficulties of being a firefighter are vast. Being a firefighter is one of the most physically demanding and emotionally taxing professions, yet much of its difficulty remains unseen. Firefighting may seem passive on the day-to-day, but when there's action it pours. Their tasks and expectations are unpredictable, dangerous, and any decision they make on the job could be the difference between life and 6 feet under. The job requires constant readiness, even during moments of rest, because emergencies don't wait for you to catch your breath, drink water, or cool down. 

Physically, the work is grueling. Firefighters carry heavy gear, operate in extreme heat, and push their bodies well beyond normal limits. Constant strain on lungs, and your whole body in general is not a simple feat. Lifelong damages are the result of working in the field of firefighting, and exhaustion builds quickly. No amount of training can prepare someone for the colossal exposure to smoke and toxins daily. And emotionally, the toll is just as heavy. Firefighters witness everything from screaming people, to animals trying to save their lives. It takes bravery beyond belief for someone to deal with the day-to-day emergencies that they're solely responsible for. 

There's nothing more attractive than a strong, robust, courageous man with a soft spot. Like the firefighter in the story, he risked his life to save a cat, and it was love at first sight. He made an oath after saving the little creature that he would adopt her if no one claimed her. Amongst the rubble and destruction, the kitty would have been left destitute. He was unable to leave her behind! From the story, "The cat became part of both his family and the fire department, eventually turning into an unofficial mascot." He takes the little kitty home, and the internet goes crazy for the amount of wholesome, handsome, cuteness in this story. 

Click here to watch the full video. 

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    M
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    SABAH GAZIANTEP MO
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    Total-Dog-3580 I'm not into men, but he would have a chance. Very cool
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    SelfSufficientHub As a straight man - he's dreamy
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    SABAH GAZİANTEP
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    steady_as_a_rock The cat officially adopted him that day.
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    OW GIANTEP
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    BigPileOfTrash Animals are amazingly appreciative.
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    SABAH GAZİANTEP
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    buckbuckmow Typical...we may need a 12. months of Turkish firefighters and their rescue animals...
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    Seeking Anonymit... Heck, if the firefighter can't find his way home I'll adopt both of them
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    Kittykatty I'll adopt them both.
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    FinnscandianDerp Absolute gigachad of a man omg
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    pfrutti When's the calendar coming out?
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    dashrendar2112 In Arabic, "Enkaz" means "rescue".
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    Possible-Estimate 7... I can now say I'm jealous of a cat
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    Jellybeanzdream Umm, hello? May I be rescued too?? " Help!!
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    Sudden_Breakfast_... That's one majestic cat
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    Bobobambom This is from 2023. earthquake. At that time, mobile phone systems
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    crashed. The government imposed bandwidth throttling, and Twitter, the victims' main source of
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    communication, was slowed down. And even after three years, there are still people living in container homes and tents.
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    Berke80 The story is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. However, as a
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    Turkish person I couldn't help add my two cents in this:
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    Rubble sounds (at least phonetically) like a cute pet name, but Enkaz in Turkish is such a terrible one.
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    asianOhs is this dude wearing a bicycle helmet?
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wholesome adorable cats firefighters cute cats earthquake Cats positivity rescue
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