When you play your cards right… how Kevin changed his destiny

Written by Elanza Kloppers, volunteer for Harties Feral Cat Rescue

Professional photography by Moonrise Creative Studio

I’ve been part of the wonderful Harties Feral Cat Rescue organisation for several years. For the most part, we deal with feral colonies and TNR programmes. Yet every now and again we come across a domesticated cat that has somehow made its way into feral life. 

This was the case with Kevin. During one of our TNR sessions, we spotted a cat we hadn’t seen before. He saw us and wandered over, not a care in the world. As he approached us with his gentle and inquisitive nature, we realised he was a tame kitty that was living among the feral cats.

It wasn’t long before he jumped up on our car and started investigating our traps (more so, the yummy bait we were planning on using). He was very demanding when it came to scratches and bum tickles. Everywhere we turned this incredible boy made himself known with deafening purrs, insisting he gets some attention before we continue with the task at hand. 

At the end of the night, we were all distraught at having to leave this incredible boy behind at the feral colony based behind a petrol station. But the reality was that there was nowhere for him to go. All our foster homes were filled to the brim. We left that night feeling very sad that we had to leave a cat behind, knowing he’d definitely been part of a loving family at one point in his life.

Days went by, and I couldn’t get this boy, whom we named Kevin, out of my mind. I visited him daily, and as soon as he heard my car, he came running. Every time I left my heart broke a little bit more. I was desperate to bring him home, but I was worried that my dogs wouldn’t accept him, as they’ve never accepted an adult cat before. I’ve always had to bring new cats in as kittens.

My partner and I went back and forth discussing the subject and eventually decided that this boy deserved a chance; we had to try!

So, we loaded my dogs in the car, and off we went to the petrol station colony to go and see if they could meet Kevin on neutral ground. We also had no idea how he’d react to large dogs. It was a gamble, but we decided we’d take it slow, keep the dogs on their leads, and make sure everyone was safe and comfortable at all times. We were prepared for a hissing and growling session, but Kevin walked over to my dogs in his usual charming and chilled way, and my dogs sniffed him and carried on as usual without a care in the world. Kevin was definitely used to dogs, and my dogs didn’t react in the slightest. I was so relieved, but realised I still had to get the “OK” from my five other cats at home.

A couple of days later, Kevin got into the carrier without hesitation and off we went. Again, we were expecting a lot of noses to be out of joint when arriving at home with a new cat, but Kevin fitted right in as if he’d always been there.

Fast forward two weeks and Kevin spends his days lazily lounging on the furniture and exploring the garden without a care in the world. My dogs pay no attention to him and are quite happy to share the couch or bed with him at night.

Kevin (now named Franki) is a magnificent cat, and I wish I knew what his life was like before, and how he ended up in a feral colony. He’s the most magnificent, entertaining cat who follows us around everywhere. Kevin my boy… you are HOME!