Rusty’s Story

This is a close-up of Rusty the cat, looking upward with enormous eyes.

Rusty was a friendly orange cat that lived in one of the most beautiful places in the world, Maui Hawaii. He spent his days watching colorful sunsets fill the sky, while countless people visiting from all over the world watched the colors change with him. Rusty belonged to no one, and lived his life outdoors, on his terms. Friendly people would stop and get to know him, and he would let them. If you came regularly, you always knew where to find Rusty. Year after year, Rusty was always there, waiting for a treat or a pet or a kind word.

His story is one of the love he gave, and in return the love he was given from everyone who was lucky enough to meet him. Rusty was an ambassador of Maui, greeting everyone that came by on the beach path where he lived. Just his presence made people feel happy. You couldn’t help but smile seeing that fluffy tough tiny tiger named Rusty--or maybe you called him by a different name? He had many! He never hid in the bushes, scratched or bit anyone--sometimes he would just sit back and block the sidewalk, fully expecting humans to part to pass him--and they did. He was so gentle. When you called his name he would look up at you with his beautiful green eyes, and at dinner time he would get extra excited!

For over 20 years Rusty was there, overlooking Maui. So many people have a story about Rusty. You can visit his Facebook page and see the heartwarming pictures and stories told about time spent with Rusty. He meant so much to so many. In his honor, this non-profit group has been formed to continue to care for the community cats of Maui just like Rusty. Please join us in celebrating Rusty's life and legacy by sharing your story, following our adventures and/or making a donation!

Photo shows a close up of an area next path where Rusty the cat lived. It shows many painted rocks place in memory of him, and a childs drawing of a cat with writing that includes the words "Best cat ever"

A classic Rusty story goes like this -- one time a volunteer caretaker took Rusty home after he was hurt from a fight with another cat. She kept him with her for six weeks until one night he ran away from her home. The next time she saw him, he was back at his gulch having crossed a highway and who knows how many obstacles to find his way back to the place he felt most at home. Earnestly, she took him back to her house again, but Rusty lived his life on his own terms and made it known where he belonged by returning once again to the place he called home! Rusty taught us all a lesson about choosing to live the life you want, instead of the life other people think you need. Rusty was clear, his home was the gulch where he could watch the world pass by, and that's where he stayed for the rest of his years.

Rusty crossed over the Rainbow Bridge on September 18, 2022 after developing cancer in his jaw. His caretakers had been giving him medicine and care for many months to allow Rusty to enjoy his last days pain free.

Even after his death he has continued to inspire, as we came together to form the Rusty MauiCat Collective in his honor. Our mission is to provide food and care for the community cats of Maui, while also practicing TNR (trap, neuter, return) to help control the cat population.

Although the path will never be the same without Rusty, he has many many other community cat friends who continue to need support too.

Rusty will live on in our hearts.

Ho'omaha i ke aloha

Rest in Love Sweet Rusty 🧡

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