Holy cat taken in by Goshen family
Holy cat taken in by Goshen family Save Email Print
Posted: 6:59 PM Jul 29, 2008
 Last Updated: 6:59 PM Jul 29, 2008
 Reporter: Stephanie Stang
Email Address: stephanie.stang@wndu.com
52 comments
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A small kitten is being called a holy cat, or a feline with Jesus on her side -- literally.

Ten weeks ago, the Johnson family rescued two kittens after their mother abandoned them outside of their house in Goshen.

Recently Lori Johnson's husband was petting the female kitten, Sissy, when he noticed markings on her fur that look like Jesus.

“It just happened she was laying just right and he was petting her. He happened to see it,” says Lori Johnson.

Whether or not you see it doesn't matter to the family. They believe it’s a sign of good things to come.

The cats were also found just in the nick of time.

Lori Johnson is also about to be empty nested since her daughter is about to head off to college.
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Posted by: Atheist on Aug 6, 2008 at 12:44 PM
I'm just suprised more christians don't find this appalling. Doesn't your god have better ways to express his messages to people? Doesn't this behavior make the entire group look a little...not too bright?
Posted by: KittyKat on Aug 5, 2008 at 09:23 PM
Meowwwwww. I found the spirit in me! Meowwwww. Meowwwwww.
Posted by: Mindy Location: Marshall County on Aug 5, 2008 at 07:28 PM
Hey HonestOne, leave the 9 year old alone. It's summer vacation and he's reading the news, plus he believes in God. I'd say that is a good kid! As for the kitty...leave the owners alone too. If this gives them comfort, who are you guys to say otherwords? Live and let live!
Posted by: HonestOne on Aug 5, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Ok 9 year old "I Believe"..what are you doing up on the internet at 10:45p...where is yo mummy and daddy
Posted by: Matt Location: Salt Lake City on Aug 5, 2008 at 01:07 AM
It;s the Geico Caveman!
Posted by: Corey Location: Madison on Aug 4, 2008 at 07:28 PM
Muslims think they see "Allah" written in grizzled meat and tree bark. Christians think they see Jesus in cats, grilled cheese, potatoes, and just about everything else. Now, what's more rational- the brain assembling random marks into symbols of what those people hold dear, or divine intervention (for both Christians and Muslims). I'd go with the later. That said, good for that family. Though I have to say I'm glad they took the cats in before they "found Jesus" in them.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 31, 2008 at 03:12 PM
CNN isn't exactly where I would go for my spiritual edification.
Posted by: Joe Location: South Bend on Jul 31, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Is this really news-worthy? Like someone said, wouldn't God have much better ways to send us a sign than a mark on animal fur or a grilled cheese sandwich? Even Moses at least got a burning bush. Frankly, I'd be a bit irritated if God was spending his time coming up with stuff like this when there are real problems in the world that can use his attention. Faith is great, but it shouldn't be blind and silly.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 31, 2008 at 09:35 AM
I once had a BM and my feces looked like the Virgin Mary. Another time I threw up and it looked like Satan. I guess you could call that puking hell.
Posted by: Heretic Location: SB on Jul 31, 2008 at 07:57 AM
I think we found Osama Bin Laden! That's it looks like to me!
Posted by: MS Location: Notre Dame on Jul 30, 2008 at 11:15 PM
Personally, I think Jesus, as well as the Blessed Virgin Mary, have better, more meaningful, and more subtle ways to appear to us than in cheetos, water stains, or heavens forbid, a cat. It's just the Gestalt principle: our brains are programmed to recognize familiar images, even if they aren't really there, and that's all that's happening here. It's a nice sentiment, but it's foolish.
Posted by: I Believe Location: Niles on Jul 30, 2008 at 10:45 PM
Big Red Evil...... I am 9 years old and believe in God and since your so BIG RED and EVIL maybe you are the devil
Posted by: Nick Location: South Bend on Jul 30, 2008 at 10:24 PM
Robert from Kansas City....Obviously you don't believe in miracles or God. It's sad that people like you can't see when God or Jesus is with us. I feel sorry for you!
Posted by: jen Location: Niles on Jul 30, 2008 at 10:12 PM
For those of you who think this is silly, then you may want to reconsider going back to church. Jesus is always w/us and I think this is an amazing story. Just because it's an animal, doesn't mean he isn't w/this animal or family. God created all of us! Maybe you should read the Bible again!
Posted by: SB on Jul 30, 2008 at 10:04 PM
Wish there were more stories like this. I just don't understand why people have to bash it. It gives someone hope. I think it is awesome. Congrats to the family for giving these creatures a home!
Posted by: LH Location: SB on Jul 30, 2008 at 08:21 PM
I personally thought the burnt grilled cheese sandwich was better from a couple of years ago.
Posted by: ike Location: NJ on Jul 30, 2008 at 05:09 PM
Personally, it looks like Donald Sutherland !!!!
Posted by: Alan Location: Elkhart on Jul 30, 2008 at 04:06 PM
No kitty! Bad kitty! That's my pot pie kitty! Holy cat crap call the Vatican! All kidding aside I think it pretty cool!
Posted by: Jim Location: South Bend on Jul 30, 2008 at 04:03 PM
DJ- That's funny!!!!
Posted by: Robert Location: Kansas City on Jul 30, 2008 at 04:00 PM
Baloney has a first name...etc.
Posted by: Elkhart on Jul 30, 2008 at 03:54 PM
To any of you who think this is not newsworthy or silly, check out CNN.com. There is a link to the video of the story that ran on WNDUs newscast. I guess a lot of people don't think it's dumb or not newsworthy.
Posted by: Ginny Location: Carmel on Jul 30, 2008 at 03:37 PM
Also, I would like to point out, that it is not only WNDU that is reporting this...this is alllll over the internet including CNN.com so as I know, it is newsworthy because it is an awesome story!
Posted by: Ginny Location: Carmel on Jul 30, 2008 at 03:36 PM
I totally see it and am very happy to see this in the news. I love Jesus and everything He did for us on the cross and all of the wonderful things He did before He died. It really makes me sad to see such hateful and ignorant comments. At least I know where I will be spending eternity...do you?
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 30, 2008 at 03:22 PM
You must be joking right...this is an animal...good grief
Posted by: Gloria Location: Niles on Jul 30, 2008 at 02:00 PM
Lori- Your Jesus kitty looks like it could be a brown marble bengal and the black one is what we call a melanistic bengal. you can read more about the breed and actually see TICA registered bengals at the Century Century in mid-October at the GLACE cat show. Bengals are a grreat cat breed and are very playful and active and you did the right thing by keeping two. Good luck! Birchbark Bengals
Posted by: BigRedEvil Location: Death Valley on Jul 30, 2008 at 01:49 PM
Um, I'd name the cat "Charlie" cuz the "pattern" resembles Charles Manson more than the Prince of Peace. Heck if you could sell animals on ebay, they'd be rich!!!! As for the name calling and crude comments...... Remember people - Judge not, and ye shall not be judged.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 30, 2008 at 01:39 PM
It also looks like the unibomber, grizzly Adams, and a furry cat
Posted by: David Location: St. Paul MN on Jul 30, 2008 at 01:19 PM
Human brains are wired to perceive patterns (and especially human faces) in random stimuli. This phenomenon is known as pareidolia.
Posted by: Jodi on Jul 30, 2008 at 01:09 PM
This can't be any worse than the "cheeto that resembles Jesus on the cross" news story.
Posted by: Don Location: Mishawaka on Jul 30, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Looks like Bob Marley to me. Nobody alive today knows what Jesus looked like.
Posted by: BlueCornMoon Location: PA on Jul 30, 2008 at 12:56 PM
It's easier to see the image in the still photo. Granted no one knows what Jesus looked like but if this image gives the family comfort,then let it be. There's too much news about misery & hate in this world & too many people filled with venom & ill will. Read some of the previous hateful posts about this story & you'll see what I mean. As for this not being news,how about last summer when NO TALENT Paris Hilton,Lindsey Lohan,& Britney "no panties" Spears were all over the news?
Posted by: Reba Location: IN on Jul 30, 2008 at 11:50 AM
I think it is quite unique. I don't understand why you all are being so hateful about it.
Posted by: dj Location: sj on Jul 30, 2008 at 11:24 AM
I think it looks like my cousin without glasses...of course he is an old hippie... I can also see him in the linoleum design in my bathroom floor...
Posted by: BILL Location: MICH on Jul 30, 2008 at 11:09 AM
I SEE IT, IF IT MAKES THEM FILL GOOD GOD BLESS THEM
Posted by: Believer in Christ Location: Elkhart on Jul 30, 2008 at 10:33 AM
These stories are an embarassment. And the reason people don't care if your turtle lookes like the FSM is it doesnt exist... Jesus lives though.
Posted by: Dennis Location: Goshen on Jul 30, 2008 at 10:07 AM
1. Why is this news? 2. If you believe in Jesus, then you obviously have a vivid imagination and will see patterns of some religious significance in anything you look at. Personally I think it resembles Karl Marx, and he really existed. 3. These people need to get a life.
Posted by: Jon Location: Claypool on Jul 30, 2008 at 09:08 AM
Looks just like my brother Tom.
Posted by: Elkhart on Jul 30, 2008 at 08:45 AM
Personally, I'm glad to see stories like this. When the news has time to report these kinds of stories, they aren't reporting shootings, stabbings, or murders. The more stories like this, the better!!!!! I say, Hooray for slow news days.
Posted by: Meliisa Location: Goshen on Jul 30, 2008 at 07:41 AM
OMG! Come on people are you really that desperate, needing something tangible to show belief. Looks like a side picture of a cat and a furry one at that. But I guess what ever makes you feel close to the all holy one. WHATEVER!
Posted by: Atheist on Jul 30, 2008 at 07:30 AM
Once again, WNDU, this is NOT news! Please quit wasting my time on drivel like this. Or, if you prefer, I have dog who has Thor markings, and a hamster that has fur that looks just like Ra. Oh, yeah, and a rabbit that looks just like the Flying Spaghetti Monster!
Posted by: Jamie Location: South Bend on Jul 30, 2008 at 12:39 AM
You can't sell anything that is alive on ebay, fyi. Although you know if they could, it'd go for a ridiculous amount.
Posted by: Dan Location: Mishawaka on Jul 29, 2008 at 10:57 PM
Looks more like Osama Binladen!
Posted by: Edward Location: Mi on Jul 29, 2008 at 10:43 PM
Anything to fill up space Huh ? WNDU You must be desperate for things to fill in what should be mostly blanks anyway. I do see a Jesus here but the sky sometimes doe's the same thing. So do smokestacks.I once saw a Pot Plant that looked like Jesus. Doe's that mean it's a good one ? Should I have smoked it ?
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 29, 2008 at 09:44 PM
I see it! It's one of those magic eye things.
Posted by: Bless Me Kitty Location: Heaven's Gate on Jul 29, 2008 at 09:25 PM
I see a great marketing tool here--the all new bless me Kitty from Ronco. Say your prayers and pet the kitty and your prayer will be answered. Ok, seriously, that is a cool picture. How did you capture it?
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 29, 2008 at 08:58 PM
Is it upside down?
Posted by: Bill Location: Osceola on Jul 29, 2008 at 08:25 PM
Sell it on ebay!! Good luck with your new kitty!
Posted by: Jason Location: Elkhart on Jul 29, 2008 at 07:59 PM
Are you kidding?????? When is this stupid "I saw Jesus in X" crap going to stop? These people should be put in Madison Center for thinking that there is any meaning behind this. If it were my cat I would sell it on ebay to some idiot for a couple grand.
Posted by: stay ata home mom Location: south bend on Jul 29, 2008 at 07:48 PM
This is news coverage worthy? I guess there wasn't anything else to cover.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 29, 2008 at 07:21 PM
Ok, if the family doesn't care if we see it or not, why is this news?
Posted by: Bob Location: South Bend on Jul 29, 2008 at 06:20 PM
Give me a break. No one knows what Jesus looks like and people must be nuts to believe in a foolish thing like a sign from God on a cat.

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