You might have just finished an episode of The Curious Case of... on Max or stumbled upon a viral TikTok about the "Doomsday Cat Cult" and wondered: is Sheryl Ruthven still alive? The short answer is yes. As of early 2026, Sheryl Ruthven is still alive and remains active, though she has become increasingly elusive.
While she hasn't been in the national headlines for a few months, local reports and public records confirm she is still operating within her inner circle. She isn't in prison. She hasn't vanished into thin air. Instead, she’s done what she always does when things get "hot"—she moved.
Most people know her as the woman who allegedly convinced a group of followers that cats are divine beings and that she is the reincarnation of Mary Magdalene. It sounds like the plot of a B-movie, but for the families she’s left in her wake, it’s a living nightmare.
Where is Sheryl Ruthven Now?
If you're looking for her, don't check Washington state or Tennessee anymore.
Ruthven and her core group of followers—who have stuck by her through decades of controversy—relocated to Columbia, Kentucky, in 2022. She reportedly purchased a massive estate worth roughly $1.7 million in the Gradyville area of Adair County.
She hasn't stopped her "mission" either. In Kentucky, her group launched a new entity called DaVinci’s Dreams. Much like her previous venture in Tennessee, Eva’s Eden, this is marketed as an animal rescue organization.
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It’s a clever move. Animal rescues are generally viewed as noble, charitable endeavors. They provide a perfect "front" for a private community to live behind gates without drawing too much immediate suspicion from neighbors. However, locals in Adair County have been whispering for years. When the Investigation Discovery (ID) network aired a special on her in early 2025, the local chatter turned into a full-blown roar.
The Mystery of the "Cat Cult" Explained
To understand why people are still searching for her status, you have to understand the grip she holds. This isn't just about liking kittens.
According to former members like those featured on the podcast The Opportunist, Ruthven’s theology is a bizarre blend of Christian mysticism and feline worship. She allegedly told followers that cats are the "purest" beings on Earth and that by serving them—and by extension, her—they could secure a spot in the 144,000 people who would survive the apocalypse.
Honestly, it sounds absurd until you look at the financial trail.
- Followers allegedly handed over hundreds of thousands of dollars.
- Families were encouraged to cut off "unbelieving" relatives.
- The "rescue" cats lived in luxury while some human members reportedly lived in much more modest, cramped conditions.
The psychological hold she has on her remaining followers is intense. Even after being exposed multiple times by national media, her "inner sanctum" remains fiercely loyal. They see the media coverage as "persecution," which only strengthens their resolve to stay hidden.
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Why Isn't She in Jail?
This is the question that keeps people up at night. If she’s "destroying families" and "draining bank accounts," why is she still free?
The reality is that being a "cult leader" isn't a crime in itself. Under the First Amendment, people have the right to believe whatever they want, even if those beliefs seem crazy to the rest of us. As long as the followers are adults who are technically "donating" their money voluntarily, it is incredibly difficult for law enforcement to build a criminal case.
There have been allegations of much darker things—including claims of coerced labor and even darker "rituals"—but proving these in a court of law is a different beast entirely. Without a "smoking gun" or a mass defection of her current inner circle, she remains a free woman.
Living in the Shadow of Scrutiny
Living in Adair County hasn't been the quiet retirement she might have hoped for. Since the 2025 TV specials, local residents have been highly aware of the $1.7 million "DaVinci’s Dreams" property.
Public interest spikes every few months. People want to know if she's still there, if the cats are okay, and if any more followers have escaped.
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The most recent updates from late 2025 and early 2026 suggest that the group has become even more insular. They don't engage with the local community. They don't give interviews. They are essentially a "ghost" organization operating out of a high-end farmhouse.
What You Should Know if You're Following This Case
If you’re researching Sheryl Ruthven because you know someone involved or you're just fascinated by the psychology of it, keep these facts in mind:
- She uses multiple names: She has been known as Sheryl Ruthven and Sheryl Walker.
- The "Animal Rescue" pattern: Every time she moves, a new 501(c)(3) or "rescue" pops up. It's her primary method of operation.
- Financials are key: The money usually flows through property purchases and "donations" to these rescues.
- No current legal charges: Despite the TV shows and podcasts, there are currently no active warrants for her arrest.
Actionable Next Steps
If you are concerned about someone currently involved with her group or a similar high-control environment, here is what experts suggest:
- Maintain a "Bridge": If you have a family member inside, don't attack their beliefs. It will only push them closer to her. Stay a "safe" contact for when they eventually have doubts.
- Monitor Public Filings: You can check the Secretary of State filings in Kentucky for any changes to "DaVinci’s Dreams" or related businesses. This is often the first sign that they are planning another move.
- Support Whistleblowers: Follow organizations that support cult survivors. They often have the most up-to-date, "boots on the ground" info that hasn't hit the news yet.
Sheryl Ruthven is very much alive, and if history is any indication, she isn't planning on changing her ways anytime soon. She is currently hunkered down, waiting for the latest wave of media attention to pass so she can continue her work in the shadows of rural Kentucky.
Source References:
- The Curious Case of... (Investigation Discovery / Max, 2025)
- The Opportunist Podcast (Season 1)
- Adair County public property records and local news reports (2022-2026)
- Nashville Scene investigative reports on "Eva's Eden"