Kitten season is definitely in full swing – on Friday I got to photograph these beautiful babies for their adoption profiles – from right to left, Wren, Falcon, Hawk, and Peregrine. They will be available for adoption through Paws and Tails Rehoming in mid November.
This shot is from April this year, when I was fostering the beautiful Nigella (now Marli). Her and her brother Jamie came to me at three weeks old, completely alone and helpless, and left together as two of the happiest and most well adjusted kittens I’ve ever met. I still miss their beautiful faces!
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!
This article is the first in 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.
Peppa started life out tough, with her brothers and sisters Coriander and Chilli. Originally named Sage, she caught my eye straight away with her super cute little ginger nose and sweet eyes. Dumped at the height of kitten season, she was taken in by Paws and Tails, who got her vet checked, vaccinated, and in to foster care. When there are thousands of kittens looking for homes, foster carers are absolutely invaluable. Peppa was a shy wee thing, and while she loved her brothers and sisters, people still overwhelmed her.
Left to right – Peppa with her brothers and sisters, getting brave and exploring her new house, helping her humans in the bathroom. Photos courtesy of Paws and Tails (1) and from Peppa’s new humans (2, 3 and 4)
Peppa was adopted by Jess and Kieran, who absolutely adore her. Little Peppa was absolutely terrified at first, and she dug out a hiding place in the bookcase, where she seemed determined to stay. Jess was having none of it though, and coaxed her out for socialising. Within two weeks Peppa had taken over – attacking Jess & Kieran at 5am for food, doing crazy laps around the house, and snuggling up and purring like a champ. Her new hobbies include: eating bugs, chasing her stick (but only when the feathers are removed, otherwise it’s scary), giving her humans kisses on the eyelids, stealing and playing with Jess’s bobby pins, and scooping water out of bowl onto the floor for no reason. Dislikes include the weird lady with the camera (me), loud noises, not being the centre of attention.
Below are some photos of Peppa today – happy, healthy, and dominating the house, exactly the way it should be. Peppa’s story is a great reminder that sometimes the shy or timid cats are the ones that can turn out to be the most amazing pets, all they need is a little time and care. Thanks for having me over Jess and Keiran, I loved meeting Peppa (even if she wasn’t so keen on me)
Being watched by the paparazzi
I spy a fly!
Do you ever get the feeling you’re being hunted?
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At seven weeks old, little Nigella is starting to develop some very beautiful and unique markings – I think she’s going to be a stunning smoky grey tabby.
