This article is part of an ongoing series about rescue animals here in Melbourne who have been rehomed and are living happily ever after in their forever homes. It’s my aim to show how wonderful and fulfilling it can be to rescue, and to encourage adoption as the first option. If you have a rescue pet with a story to tell, click here to email me.

I think out of all the animals I have fostered, Stewie’s transformation and adoption has to be the most special one I’ve come across. From sick and ratty beginnings to the king of his household, Stewie has captivated my heart from day one.

From left to right – first day on the bed like a big boy, having shoulder snuggles, helping me out with some work, and annoying his foster brother

Stewie (originally known as Nutmeg) was dumped at the vet at four weeks of age with severe cat flu, and was pretty much on deaths door. His eyes were crusted shut with pus and fluids, and he had a severe upper respiratory infection. Collette (an absolutely amazing vet) decided that she would nurse him back to health with eye drops, bottle feeding, and antibiotics – and despite him being so sick, he loved nothing more than snuggling up on her shoulder. After a week with Collette, he came to live with me in foster care, and that’s when he met his future mum.

Day one at the vet clinic after having his eyes cleaned – this photo just broke my heart.

Day three of foster care – five weeks old

My housemate and I had been fostering two tiny kittens who had finally gone to their forever home, and we were both feeling pretty sad. When I brought Stewie home from the vet, he made us laugh so much with his funny little face and crazy antics we simply didn’t have time to be sad – Stewie demanded our full attention. When George suggested the name Stewie (short for Stewart), I knew that he had found a forever home with her – and sure enough, when it came time to list him for adoption, she immediately put her hand up. Stewie is a little bit special – he tends to run into walls, his eyesight is a bit off because of the cat flu he had when he was younger, and sometimes I’m quite sure he’s convinced he’s a person. He also has a permanently confused/startled look on his face that charms the pants off everyone who meets him. And to top it all off, he went through a slightly unfortunate phase where he like to play in his poo – luckily he grew out of that one!

At seven weeks, and again at ten weeks – what an amazing difference!

We eventually went our separate ways, but I have been lucky enough to get constant updates on Stewie, and this week I visited him in his new home to take some photos –  even though he’s six months old, he’s still the same cheeky, adventurous, and cuddly wee man, and I just cannot get over how loved and well cared for he is – if it hadn’t have been for the amazing Collette and Paws and Tails Rehoming, this beautiful wee man never would have made it.

His favourite activities include – chasing paper around the house, cuddles with mum and dad, playing in his cat tunnel, and running up and down the stairs at odd hours.

“Damn it feels good to be adopted”

Because of his colouring and eyesite, Stewie only gets limited, supervised outdoor time. He loves his outside play time, and often brings his mum back some rocks that he has hunted from the garden. But even though he likes being outdoors, his favourite thing in the world is cuddles with his humans – he is truly a people cat.

Hunting rocks for his humans

The face that always makes me laugh

His favourite toy in the world – the rug. He will play on it for hours.

One final note about Stewie – his name has officially been changed to Prince Stewart, and his mum and dad are on the lookout for another rescue kitty to make their family complete. A huge thank you to everyone involved in rescuing Prince Stewart – you have helped save a truly amazing little man.

If you are thinking of getting a cat or kitten – please adopt, don’t shop! Head on over to Pet Rescue – your furry best friend might be only a click away!