Actor Matt Damon and his wife, Luciana Damon, have always been private about their personal lives. However, during a recent appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” Damon opened up about a particularly heartwarming and tough story involving the family’s adopted cat.
Matt Damon’s Adopted ‘Jungle Cat’
In a segment called the “Colbert Questionert,” Colbert asked Damon whether he preferred cats or dogs. Although Damon hinted at being more of a dog person, with a four-to-one ratio, he shared an incredible story about how his family adopted a cat while vacationing in Central America. The family was staying at an Airbnb in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, a spot they had visited before. While there, they encountered a stray cat who quickly won their hearts.
The ‘Coolest Cat You’ve Ever Seen’
This wasn’t just any stray cat. Damon described him as the “coolest cat you’ve ever seen,” a tough survivor who had been living alone in the jungle. The cat had two large wounds on his side, evidence of the harsh life he had been leading, fighting for survival each night.
“We adopted this cat in Costa Rica about ten years ago,” Damon said. “He was living by himself in the jungle; he was the coolest cat you’ve ever seen.”
Bringing Jungle Cat to Los Angeles
During their month-long stay, the family bonded with the cat, who had endured so much. When it was time to leave, they couldn’t imagine leaving him behind, fearing he wouldn’t survive without their care.
“We were like, ‘This guy is gonna die.’ Now he’s relying on us,” Damon explained.
Back in Los Angeles, the cat, whom we’ll call ‘Jungle Cat,’ quickly decided that indoor life was preferable and refused to go outside again.
More Challenges in the Concrete Jungle
Despite surviving the jungle, Jungle Cat’s challenges weren’t over. He developed a brain tumor, which required radiation treatments. Damon, deeply committed to the cat’s well-being, wasn’t about to give up.
“It’s the toughest Jungle Cat. I’m not going to let a brain tumor take this cat out,” Damon said.
The family eventually moved to New York, where Jungle Cat was treated by a neurologist named Chad. The tumor had progressed, and things looked bleak. Chad suggested a powerful steroid treatment as a last-ditch effort, though it came with risks.
The Surprising Outcome
The treatment was a gamble, but it paid off. Two-and-a-half years later, Jungle Cat is still with the Damon family, stronger than ever.
“Now he’s jacked, and I joke that he’s like Arnold Schwarzenegger. He’s got muscles on muscles,” Damon shared, clearly relieved and proud of the cat’s incredible recovery.
A Happy Ending for a Tough Survivor
Jungle Cat’s story is a testament to resilience, both his own and that of the Damon family. Despite the odds, this tough little survivor from the Costa Rican jungle continues to live a happy, healthy life, thanks to the unwavering love and care of his adoptive family.
Although the world has yet to see a picture of Damon’s “Juicer Cat,” the story of this indomitable feline is already inspiring fans everywhere.
Watch the full segment with Matt Damon on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”:
Video by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (Cats or Dogs starts at 6:11)
