The Stories Behind the Whiskers: Léia, Sushi & Pepe - A family of cats, memories, and magical moments — straight from Rio de Janeiro.

In a cozy home in Rio de Janeiro, three cats have marked their presence not only on sofas and windowsills but also in the hearts of their family; and now, through social media, in the hearts of many others. 

They are more than pets. They are companions, personalities, and reminders of life’s gentler, quieter joys. Their names are Léia, Sushi, and Pepe and this is their story.

LÉIA – The Reserved Royalty

“She came first,” says Priscila, the voice behind the Instagram profile Corações Peludos, created to share the day-to-day life of her feline companions.

Named by her daughter Diana after Princess Leia from Star Wars, Léia was adopted through a local animal protector and took her time adjusting. “In the beginning, she hid. She wasn’t sure of us — especially of Diana, who was small at the time,” Priscila recalls.

Léia

But with time, patience, and love, a bond grew. “Now they’re great friends.” Léia, for her part, prefers a quiet life. “She enjoys being near us, but doesn’t like being held. She’s very calm; unless there’s frango descongelando [chicken defrosting] unattended in the kitchen,” Priscila laughs. It goes without saying that she prefers chicken over a lot of things; papaya holds a special place in her heart too!

SUSHI – The Gentle Clown

Sushi came later. He had a sister who stayed with a friend of Diana’s, but his fate brought him to Léia’s home — though she wasn’t exactly thrilled. “Léia never really warmed up to him,” says Priscila, “but Sushi… he’s so gentle. He adapted immediately.”

Sushi

He was named for the way his little paws resembled pieces of sushi. “He likes natural yogurt and some snacks, but mostly he loves being with us.” His favorite human is called Paulo. Sushi also has some irreplaceable habits: reaching into the kibble bowl with one paw, sleeping on his humans’ chests, and watching the world from the top of the wardrobe.

“He’s affectionate, but not in a loud way. He’s just... present. Always.”

PEPE – The Memory That Remains

Pepe's story is bittersweet. Adopted through an NGO, he quickly became the heart of the household. “Pepe was very intelligent, very affectionate, and extremely loyal,” Priscila shares. He bonded quickly with Sushi; less so with Léia, who’s famously not a fan of other cats — and became a constant source of comfort.

Pepe

“He helped me through a very difficult time emotionally,” she admits. “He would lie on my stomach, play fetch with a ball… yes, he played fetch.”

Sadly, Pepe was diagnosed with FeLV (feline leukemia virus), and by the time they discovered it, the disease was advanced. “Even with all the care, he didn’t survive,” she says. The pain of losing him is still fresh. “It was a huge loss. We miss his games, his affection, his presence.”

But his memory, like all good companions, endures. “We’re grateful for the time we had. He meant more than words can say.”

LITTLE THINGS, BIG HEARTS

These cats aren’t just cute faces online. They’re part of a philosophy that celebrates slow joy, affection, and companionship.

"What greater gift than the love of a cat?"

— Charles Dickens

They love boxes. Léia naps, Sushi climbs. “Léia once ran off to the upper floors of our building and a neighbor brought her back. She’s sneaky,” Priscila smiles. “She also tries to eat banana cake, even though we don’t let her.”

Sushi? “He loves to climb on us the moment we lie down. It’s his ritual.”

And while Léia and Sushi may not cuddle, they do share space just like cordial roommates with an understanding.

WHY WE SHARE THEIR WORLD

“I’ve always loved cats,” says Priscila. “They’re affectionate, loyal, and gentle in ways many don’t notice.” Through Corações Peludos, she hopes to give people moments of peace and joy — just as her cats give her.

“I know many people prefer dogs — and I love dogs too — but cats are very special to me. I’ve had them all my life.”

A MESSAGE TO CAT LOVERS AND FUTURE PET PARENTS

Priscila’s message is simple:

“Take care of your cats with love. Cherish every moment with them. Watch over their health. And most of all — adopt.”

“There are so many cats needing homes. All of ours came to us through adoption, and they’ve each brought something beautiful into our lives.”

The hearts behind Corações Peludos beat with love, loss, resilience, and joy. Through Léia, Sushi, and Pepe’s stories, we’re reminded that every animal has a story and that every adoption is the beginning of a new one!