It appears the tall tale that cats have nine lives may be true for a California Maine coon named Aggie.
The beloved feline was feared dead for two months after the Palisades wildfire in Los Angeles left her family's home in ashes.
Still, her owner, 82-year-old Katherine Kiefer, held out some hope.
Katherine Kiefer, 82, is reunited with her cat Aggie on March 8 at VCA Chatoak Animal Hospital. The cat was missing after the Palisades Fire destroyed Kiefer's home in Los Angeles.
Last weekend, Katherine Kiefer got a call from the West Los Angeles Animal Shelter. Her daughter Carolyn Kiefer shared their reunion Saturday in a TikTok video that quickly garnered more than 1 million likes. It shows tears pouring from Katherine Kiefer's eyes as Aggie curled up in her arms.
"I was very much worried that I was going to wake up and (discover) it had been a dream," she said.
Katherine Kiefer, 82, looks at her the remnants of her home, which was destroyed by the Palisades Fire and where her cat Aggie went missing, on Jan. 8 in Los Angeles.
Kiefer was at a medical appointment the day fire engulfed her neighborhood and her children couldn't find Aggie — who was prone to hiding — when they tried to rescue her.
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"The one thing my mom asked was: 'Did you get Aggie?" Carolyn Kiefer recalls.
Many pet owners struggled to reach their domesticated animals during the frantic rush to evacuate from the Palisades wildfire in January.
Aggie, who is about 5 years old, was gifted to Katherine Kiefer by a friend during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social media users were so touched by the pair's reunion video that many asked for daily updates.
The family's $30,000 GoFundMe campaign for Aggie's vet bills topped $21,000 by Tuesday afternoon.
The cat underwent several blood transfusions and is now seeing a specialist.
"She was basically skin and bone, and in a state of absolute starvation," Carolyn Kiefer said.
The family officially will be reunited with Aggie when she is released from the hospital Thursday.
Katherine Kiefer said she's anxiously waiting, and she has a message for other pet owners: "Don't underestimate cats."
Photos: The 2025 Westminster Dog Show
A dog competes during the junior showmanship competition at the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog show, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
A Cocker Spaniel competes in the sporting group competition during the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog show, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
A handlers shows a judge an Irish Red and White Setter's teeth in the sporting group competition during the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog show, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Katie Bernardin and Monty, a Giant Schnauzer, celebrate after winning best in show in the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog show, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Neal, a Bichon FrisË, and its handler compete in the best in show competition during the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog show, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
A handler brushes Comet, a Shih Tzu, in the best in show competition during the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog show, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Katie Bernardin kisses Monty, a Giant Schnauzer, after winning best in show in the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog show, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Katie Bernardin, right, and Monty, a Giant Schnauzer, celebrate after winning best in show in the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog show, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)in the best in show competition during the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog show, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Katie Bernardin and Monty, a Giant Schnauzer, celebrate after winning best in show in the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog show, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Monty, a Giant Schnauzer, receives a treat after winning best in show in the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog show, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Mercedes, a German Shepard, and its handler arrive for the best in show competition during the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog show, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Archer, a Skye Terrier, competes in the terrier competition during the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog show, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Comet, a Shih Tzu, competes in the best in show competition during the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog show, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Katie Bernardin and Monty, a Giant Schnauzer, compete in the best in show competition during the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog show, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Katie Bernardin, center, reacts after winning best in show with Monty, a Giant Schnauzer, during the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog show, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Katie Bernardin and Monty, a Giant Schnauzer, compete in the best in show competition during the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog show, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Katie Bernardin, center, and Monty, a Giant Schnauzer, win best in show in the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog show, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Robin Novack, left, and Freddie, an English Springer Spaniel, compete in the sporting group competition during the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog show, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
A Komondor, Ranger, competes in the working group competition during the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog show, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Dogs sit with their handlers during the working group competition of the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog show, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
