HomeCosta RicaActor Matt Damon's Tale of Rescuing a Cat in Costa Rica

Actor Matt Damon’s Tale of Rescuing a Cat in Costa Rica

U.S. actor Matt Damon narrated on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert the story of how he rescued and adopted a cat in Costa Rica about 10 years ago. Damon shared the heartwarming story and talked about how he became attached to the animal while immersed in the Costa Rican jungle.

“He was living by himself in the jungle. He was the coolest cat I’ve ever seen, hunting and with two giant holes on his sides, you know, fighting for his life. We started feeding the cat, and we were there for a month, so we felt compelled to take the cat,” he pointed out.

The movie star mentioned that the family discussed that the cat was now relying on them, and if they left him there, it was likely that he could die.

The family then decided to take the cat back home to Los Angeles, as their home had a backyard which they thought was suitable for a pet.

“He moved into our house; I had a little yard in LA, and I thought ‘he’ll do great out there.’ He never went outside ever again,” he laughed.

Later, the cat was diagnosed with a brain tumor. As confirmed by Damon, the animal was treated and received radiation. In the process, the family moved to New York and watched as the cat began to lose weight and, as part of his illness, would only walk in circles.

Upon seeing the cat’s condition, Damon scheduled a consultation with a cat neurologist, who told the artist that he needed to have a conversation with his family. The expert discussed with Matt the that part of the responsibility of pet owners is to provide their pets with dignity, and that his cat no longer had a good quality of life.

The neurologist suggested giving the cat steroids. Damon proceeded to ask about the long-term effects of such medication, and the neurologist confirmed there were “massive long-term issues with it.”

“That was two and a half years ago. Now the cat is jacked. He’s like Arnold Schwarzenegger, he’s got muscles on muscles and looks great,” Matt laughed.

@colbertlateshow Matt Damon shares an incredible story about the cat he adopted from Costa Rica. #Colbert ♬ original sound – colbertlateshow

Trending Now

Teachers Strike Today as 11 Groups March Through Downtown San José

If you plan to drive, ride a bus or walk through downtown San José this morning, expect delays. Teachers' unions and public universities are...

Costa Rica Can’t Build Its Way Out of Traffic, Public Works Minister Says

Costa Rica's public works minister says more lanes won't end traffic. Here's what MOPT is betting on instead.

Guided Hikes in Costa Rica Would Need ICT Licenses and Insurance Under New Bill

Companies that sell or lead guided hikes in Costa Rica would need a license from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) and insurance covering...

Costa Rica’s Dry Season Starts This Week in Guanacaste and the Central Valley

If you live in or are visiting Guanacaste or the Central Valley, the rain is about to switch off. Costa Rica's dry season settles...

Pope Leo XIV Departs for First Latin America Journey to Uruguay Argentina and Peru

Pope Leo XIV leaves Rome on Friday, November 6, 2026, for a twelve-day apostolic journey to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. The Holy See Press...

Red Tide Spreads in Costa Rica’s Gulf of Nicoya and Cooking Won’t Make Shellfish Safe

SENASA widened the Gulf of Nicoya red tide ban. Cooking doesn't make oysters, mussels or pianguas safe.

Costa Rica Is One Vote From Co-Hosting the 2031 Women’s World Cup

Costa Rica is one step away from co-hosting the 2031 FIFA Women's World Cup, the biggest tournament in women's soccer. FIFA said Wednesday that...

Four in Ten Costa Ricans Hold Back Opinions on Social Media Out of Fear

Four in ten Costa Ricans say they have held back from sharing their opinions on social media for fear of the consequences, according to...

Prison Cases at Costa Rica’s Constitutional Court Jump 124% Amid Crackdown

Prison-related cases at Costa Rica's Constitutional Chamber rose from 2,130 in 2020 to 4,780 in 2025, as tougher prison rules collide with the state's duty to feed and treat inmates.
Loading…

Latest News from Costa Rica

Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Car Rentals
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Travel