Hercules, a cat rescued from a hot car filled with nearly 50 other felines, has now become a model for Target. Known for his trademark pose of sticking out his tongue, Hercules has his adorable face featured on the retail brand’s feline merchandise across the nation. Despite his newfound fame, the story behind Hercules is heartbreaking, as he was found in a rough shape with a fractured jaw, damaged tongue, and maggots in his coat.
Rescued from a car parked at a rest stop near Minnesota’s Twin Cities in 2022, Hercules was one of many cats living in unbearable conditions. After escaping during the handoff to Tuff Start Rescue, volunteers searched for him for a month before finding him in a neighbor’s doorstep. The 6-year-old cat was near death, but with the help of the rescue team, he slowly recovered and regained his health. Despite his crooked jaw and hanging tongue, Hercules’s sweet and tough personality earned him the name Hercules.
Jill LeBrun, a pediatric nurse who has fostered dogs and cats, decided to foster Hercules and eventually adopted him after seeing how well he adapted to her home. Unintentionally, Hercules was connected with the Animal Connection pet talent agency, which was scouting for cats with unusual faces for a Target photoshoot. Impressed by Hercules’s friendly demeanor and unique look, the agency requested him for the photoshoot.
Hercules performed well during the photoshoot, and his picture ended up on every bucket of Up & Up Fragrance Free Clumping Cat Litter at Target stores. LeBrun was delighted to see her pet on the shelves and stocked up on the product. Additionally, Hercules has another photoshoot lined up for another Target ad, showing that he is becoming a well-known cat model for the brand. Known for his natural ability to be the center of attention, Hercules brings joy to LeBrun and everyone who sees him.
The transformation of Hercules from a rescued cat in poor health to a model cat for a major retail brand showcases the resilience and spirit of animals who have overcome adversity. Despite his rough start in life, Hercules has found a loving home with LeBrun and is thriving in his new role as a cat model. The heartwarming story of Hercules’s journey from rags to riches serves as a reminder of the importance of animal rescue and the impact that love and care can have on improving the lives of animals in need.
