However, he managed to escape their clutches almost immediately and spent the next four months on the run - before being tracked down near Paritutu Rock by Beverly Downing and her animal rescue group Rodney's Rescues.
Raye McDonnell was one of the people on Rodney's trail when he first went missing near Marton.
"I was able to be there on a daily basis, looking for this cat that I'd never met," she said.
"We just wanted to get him home. He's such a tough little guy, he's a survivor."
McDonnell said when Rodney was found for the second time, the couple that had originally adopted him were "more than happy" for the cat to come to live with her in Whanganui.
"He arrived at our place at around midnight on the night he was found, and he's settled in, right from day one.
"It was incredible how fast he bonded with us."
She said interest in Rodney had remained strong after his second rescue, with his Facebook page attracting 1500 followers.
Older people also kept a close eye on him, with one "auntie" in her 90s even sending Rodney letters and cards.
Some of his online fanbase had begun to ask if there would be a book about him, McDonnell said.
Their wish was granted, and pre-sales for the 220 page "Rodney the Cat - World Famous In New Zealand" have already topped 200, including orders from Australia, United States and Great Britain.
There will be only 500 books printed, with an official release set for the start of September.
The book was written by Wellington author Linda Dean. Photo / Supplied
"We found an amazing author [Linda Dean] down in Wellington, who was involved in another cat charity book, and she wanted to write the story of Rodney," McDonnell said.
"It's based on what we do know, but there's also a lot we don't know. We've blended in situations with other lost, stray and feral cats as well."
Rodney had now become "ambassador" for other lost cats.
"I think what happened to him raised the awareness in the public of the things that are happening to cats out there," McDonnell said.
"He's definitely not alone.
"People are starting to understand the horrible scenarios that some of these animals are faced with."
McDonnell said because Rodney was getting on in age, he was "pretty much an indoor cat" these days, although he did have a "catio" at his disposal.
He got on well with the couple's other cat, Pete, she said.
"He's going to have a long, happy life with us.
"There won't be a 'Let's get Rodney home' part three. This is it."
As for the book, any profits will go to charity.
Rodney even had a cake slice named after him at Viv's Kitchen in Sanson, with people driving from as far afield as Hamilton to get a taste of it, McDonnell said.
"Vivian [Withers] has been an amazing support.
"Her 'Rodney Slice' has just gone off like a rocket. The first day they were on sale all the proceeds went to Rodney's little welfare fund."
That fund covers Rodney's vet bills, sponsors cat rescues, and buys cat food to donate.
"It's not always about him, we are using his profile to raise awareness."
