Hercules, a cat who was rescued from a car packed with nearly 50 other cats on the brink of death, has turned his life around and now serves as a model for Target. The gray and white kitty is easily recognizable by his trademark pose of sticking out his tongue in almost every shot. The backstory behind this charming quirk, however, is heartbreaking. Hercules was rescued by Tuff Start Rescue after escaping from the car in which he was living, suffering from a fractured jaw, severely damaged tongue, and a coat covered in maggots.
Despite his injuries, Hercules showed a will to live and fought through his recovery with the help of Tuff Start Rescue. A veterinarian who runs the rescue, Nicole Perreault, recounts how impressed she was by Hercules’s determination to survive. Slowly but surely, the 6-year-old cat regained his health with the care and treatment provided by the rescue team. Once he was healthy enough, Hercules was placed in foster care with a nurse named Jill LeBrun, who eventually adopted him after seeing how well he fit in with her other pets.
Hercules’s journey took an unexpected turn when LeBrun discovered a post from a pet talent agency looking for cats with unique features for a Target photoshoot. The agency fell in love with Hercules’s distinctive tongue and immediately requested his participation. LeBrun was surprised and grateful for the opportunity, and Hercules impressed everyone at the photoshoot with his friendly and camera-ready demeanor. When she later saw Hercules’s face on Target merchandise, such as cat litter packaging, LeBrun was thrilled and shared the news with friends and neighbors, who also recognized the famous feline.
Not content with just one modeling gig, Hercules is poised to appear in more Target ads in the future, showcasing his natural talent and love for attention. LeBrun considers herself fortunate to share her home with such a special cat and enjoys watching him thrive in his unexpected role as a model. Hercules’s story is a true rags-to-riches tale of resilience, survival, and finding unexpected opportunities in the face of adversity. As he continues to capture the hearts of those around him, Hercules serves as a reminder that even the most challenging beginnings can lead to a happy and fulfilling life.
