April 10, 2026, 4:03 am | Read time: 11 minutes
Emaciated, filthy, and far too small for his age–that’s how they found Gülli the cat. He had fallen into a manure pit and was near death. Fortunately, he was rescued and handed over to animal welfare activists. Since then, thousands of people have followed his story on social media. Influencer Kathi Junes accompanies the story, using her reach to raise awareness about animal welfare. In a PETBOOK interview, she shares how she met Gülli, why his struggle is so touching–and why she firmly believes that hope is always worthwhile.
Passion for Cats
For several years, Kathi Junes has been one of the most well-known content creators in the German-speaking world. On social media, she reaches millions on her channel “kathijunes” with humorous videos–often alongside her mother. But besides comedy, a second passion has developed over the years: cats.
What started with two of her own cats grew into something bigger with a stray named Kitty. Kathi took in the sick cat, shared her story publicly–and began using her reach specifically for animal welfare. She works closely with an experienced animal welfare team that has been caring for and placing cats for many years. Kathi supports this work by providing insights and raising awareness.
From Manure Cat to Social Media Phenomenon
That’s how Gülli the cat came into her life. The severely ill, weakened rescue cat was taken in by animal welfare–and quickly became a social media phenomenon. Thousands of people follow his condition daily, hoping, worrying, and cheering him on.
In a conversation with PETBOOK, Kathi Junes shares how she met Gülli, why his story touches so many–and why she is convinced that fighting is always worthwhile.
“Somehow, He Was Immediately Special”
PETBOOK: “Kathi, you met Gülli through animal welfare. What was your first encounter with him like?”
Kathi Junes: “I actually first saw him through a WhatsApp group. A picture was sent of him sitting in the bathtub, all green. Somehow, he was immediately special. I can’t quite say why–but he’s just different.
When I was there in person, he was lying in a quarantine box. I immediately thought: ‘Oh God, he’s just a baby.’ He really looked like a twelve-week-old kitten.”
“How Can Anyone Be So Cute?”
Was he really that young at the time?
“No, not at all. The vet said he was already fully teethed, so over six months old. He’s somehow underdeveloped for his age–but that makes him even cuter.
I walked in and he immediately got excited. He always presses his head against the glass when someone comes. I just thought: ‘How can anyone be so cute?’
I then decided to spend more time with him and film the whole thing because I thought it might be interesting for people. But I never expected it to become such a big interest. Now everyone wants daily updates and is totally invested.
That’s why I really try to share his health status every day.
I also immediately picked him up, wrapped him in his blanket, and thought: ‘Oh God, he’s so cute.’ It was truly heartwarming.”
“Oh God, Hopefully He’ll Still Be Here Tomorrow”
Do you know anything about his background?
“It’s all speculation; we don’t know for sure. He just showed up there and was already very friendly. But whether he has siblings or where his mother is–we couldn’t find out anything. He was really all alone.”
Was there a moment when you thought he wouldn’t make it?
“Yes, definitely–especially at the beginning. I’m the kind of person who quickly has such fears. And when you see him, with his constant ups and downs in health, the fear is always there.
It was particularly hard to see him struggle for every breath. It really hit me in the gut. His belly was also very bloated, so he’s getting something for that now. When his nose is blocked–and cats can hardly breathe through their mouths–he often has his tongue out.
It looks cute, but it’s actually not. Especially on days when his nose is completely blocked, you notice it more.
I often had these thoughts at night: ‘Oh God, hopefully he’ll still be here tomorrow.’ When the phone rings, I immediately check if everything is okay.
But I think we’re past that point now. He’s eating, has gained weight, and looks much better. I think we’re over the hump. At first, I was very scared, but staying optimistic helped. Hope is just important.”
“He’s Getting Whiter, the Green Is Gradually Coming Out”
Gülli still has traces in his fur and smells a bit. Is he regularly washed or are you avoiding that right now?
“He was completely bathed once at the very beginning. Since then, we let him do it himself because cats groom themselves a lot anyway. With the cat cold, it would be too risky to get him completely wet again–you know how it is, with wet hair it quickly gets worse.
That’s why we only clean him carefully with damp cloths, especially on his face. But we’re avoiding a full bath for now. You can see it’s getting better on its own: He’s getting whiter, the green is gradually coming out. And he doesn’t smell as strong anymore–only if you get really close.”
“Then Real Green Clumps Came Out”
In your videos, Gülli is often seen with an inhalation device. What’s happening there?
“It helps to loosen the mucus. Gülli’s forehead is really full of mucus, you can hear it when he breathes, it bubbles. There have already been days when it loosened up–then real green clumps came out. As gross as it sounds, it’s crucial for the inflammation to heal. That’s why we inhale regularly.”
Do you feel he knows it helps him?
“Yes, totally. On good days, he just wants to play and has no interest in it. But on worse days, you can really see him pressing his nose into it and even biting on it. He handles it incredibly well–especially considering how loud the device is. That’s really not typical for a cat.”
“He Has Such a Desire for His First Real Cat Life”
What has touched you the most about Gülli’s story personally?
“Especially his fighting spirit. You see such a small creature with such a will–many people could really learn from him. He shows me every day that fighting is worthwhile.
He has such a desire for his first real cat life, I always say. And you can really feel it. He’s so open, so loving–and you really feel he wants help.
I also imagine how he would ‘speak.’ The voice I give him in the videos–that’s exactly how I think he would be: kind, motivating. That touches me deeply.”
“People Are Totally Invested”
How did you come up with the idea to give him his own voice?
“I’ve done that before, for example with my cat Kitty. She ‘tells’ her own story too. And we have another cat with cerebellar hypoplasia who wobbles when he walks–he’s also ‘spoken’ from his perspective.
That’s been my content for a while. With Gülli, it just really took off. Many have seen it from the beginning, and currently, people especially want to hear him–they’re totally invested.
I think I do it because I sometimes wish my animals could talk. At some point, I just thought: Then let them tell their own stories.”
Right Now, He Just Needs a Lot of Attention
How often do you visit Gülli currently?
“Nowadays, every evening, usually for about an hour and a half. Just the inhalation takes about 20 minutes. But it’s not just about the treatment–we also take time to cuddle and talk.
I think that’s just as important as the medication. Right now, he just needs a lot of attention. And you can see it too: When I come in and he hears my voice, he immediately presses his head against the glass. He really gets excited–it’s so nice to see.”
In a video that touched many, you give Gülli a small chili as a lucky charm. Why a chili?
“I saw it and remembered what it stands for: strength, power, and life energy. And I immediately thought that’s exactly what he needs right now.
I’m a very emotional person and like things with meaning. I was out shopping for my cats and had to think of Gülli–so I just brought him the chili. The color red also stands for a new beginning, and it fits him perfectly.”
“I Receive Countless Messages and Emails”
How do you assess Gülli’s health? Will he eventually lead a normal cat life?
“He initially had a deep leg injury that looked really bad but has healed very well. Currently, the cat cold is his main issue.
He’s been thoroughly checked and X-rayed–and thankfully, everything is fine. Now we just hope the cold doesn’t become chronic, which can happen when cats get it so early. But we remain optimistic.
It’s always a bit of a rollercoaster: Some days I think it’s only going up from here–and the next day it’s worse again. But overall, looking at the progress, it’s steadily improving.”
How many inquiries are there for Gülli now?
“So many. I can’t keep up with the responses. I’ve never experienced anything like this–not even on my big account.
I receive countless messages and emails. People ‘apply,’ share their life stories, what they do, where they live–and they really want to adopt him. There are definitely hundreds. I always say: He’s a real heartbreaker.”
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“Gülli Would Say That Fighting Is Always Worthwhile”
Are there any concrete plans for him yet?
“Right now, his health is clearly the top priority. That’s the most important thing.
But generally, we always look for a loving forever home for each cat–a family where we’re sure they’ll be happy. And that’s certainly the plan for Gülli.”
In your videos, Gülli ‘speaks.’ What message would he have for people?
“I think he would say that fighting is always worthwhile. He always talks about how strong he is and how much he looks forward to his first real cat life–despite everything he’s been through.
He would encourage people not to give up and always believe in their goals. And he always says: ‘A promise is a promise and won’t be broken.’
I think he wants to show that it’s worth continuing to fight–and also encourage others, like people with sick animals who might be losing hope.
I can hardly wait for the happy ending myself, but I’m sure there will be one.”
“There Are So Many Wonderful Cats in Shelters–You Just Have to Look”
And what message do you have as Kathi?
“It’s very important for me to say: If you want to give a home to an animal, definitely check out animal welfare or shelters. There are so many great animals–even older or sick ones–that deserve it just as much.
I totally understand if you want a kitten; I used to feel that way too. But now I’ve also taken in a 15-year-old cat and realize: She gives me just as much as the others.
Sure, you know you might have less time. But that time is no less valuable. That’s why I always say: ‘Adopt, don’t shop.’
Especially older or sick animals often need even more attention. There are so many wonderful cats in shelters–you just have to look.”