It's a paw-rty! Meet Russell, the 24-year-old cat

When Heather Kennedy of St. John's decided to foster an aging cat, she made it her mission to give him a great last year of his life.

Eleven years later, Russell the cat is alive, thriving and celebrating his 24th birthday.

But even though that's good news, Kennedy said she's surprised.

"When I got him, he could barely breathe," she told CBC News. "So, I guess I just spoiled him so much and loved him so much, he was like, 'I do not want to leave this world yet.'"

More than 9 lives

Despite the sunburns, lung infections, eye infections and skin infections Russell had when he was adopted, he hasn't really had any health issues since — except one little hiccup on the morning of his birthday party. 

As Kennedy was decorating for his big celebration, she noticed he was struggling to breathe. She brought him to the vet and was told he wouldn't live past 48 hours. 

Again, despite all odds and after some medication, Russell bounced back. 

The cat has become a bit of a celebrity, Kennedy said.

"I have people on my Facebook that I have never met before but they know Russell," she said.

He's also well acquainted with the staff of the Sunrise Animal Hospital in Mount Pearl, who tell Kennedy they can't get enough of Russell's toothless grin.

Sticking to his roots

Russell loves to cuddle and soak in the sun, and he sleeps on a pillow every night.

Still, Kennedy said, he's her "garbage cat."

"Even though he gets fed very generously throughout the day, he will still dumpster-dive into the garbage can," she said. "I guess that's just his old roots."

CBC News made multiple requests for comment from Russell. He refused.

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