Best friends forever!

Owner Helen spotted Peter’s profile on our website. “I just fell in love with his story and playful nature,” she tells us. “I knew he was the right cat for us.”

With his neat moustache, his special routines, and his loyalty as a friend – Peter is a standout cat. He’s also an RSPCA rescue, and we caught up with Arthur (11) and mum Helen, to find out all about him.

A tough start

Peter hasn’t always had the love he deserves. Back in 2020, he was discovered in a dirty cage, in a house with eight other caged cats.

Our RSPCA rescuer saw how badly these pets were being treated. He quickly freed all nine cats from their cages and rushed them to the nearest vet, where they were treated for fleas and itchy skin.

Peter was cared for at a nearby cattery. When he was ready to find a home, he moved to our Kent, Ashford, Tenterden & District Branch.

“Peter is such a sweet boy,” says Branch Manager Lisa. “Although he was a bit nervous, he calmed down once he got used to us, and he loved strokes.”

While he enjoyed quiet, one-on-one time with friendly humans, Peter’s scary past had left him quite nervous. Staff knew Peter would feel more settled in a calm, loving home. They posted about him on social media, hoping he’d catch someone’s eye.

The perfect home

Once Helen read Peter’s story, she contacted the branch straight away to find out more and arrange a visit. Her son Arthur was very excited!

“I had wanted to adopt a cat for such a long time,” he says. “When I heard that we were getting one my heart sang! Stepping into the centre felt like it was my birthday or Christmas.”

Helen and Arthur picked up Peter and took him home in the spring of 2020.

“He was very nervous during his first week,” Helen remembers. “He hid in nooks in the kitchen, even behind the fireplace, getting himself very sooty.”

Rescue cats like Peter need time before they feel settled in a new place. But lots of patience and gentle encouragement helped him to grow in confidence.

A special bond

Today, Peter is loving life with his best friend, Arthur.

“His favourite time of day is bedtime,” says Arthur. “Every evening, he sits on my lap purring away, as I read a book and stroke him. I like watching movies too, with Peter at my side. When I put on action movies Peter miaows at the people on the screen!”

Before the family let him explore outside, animal-lover Arthur made sure Peter wore a collar with a bell attached, in case he tried to hunt wildlife like birds or frogs. “We didn’t have to worry!” says Helen. “The only present he’s ever brought in was a blade of grass.”

Although he doesn’t play much with balls or toys, he loves his toy catnip fish. “And stealing my dad’s shorts or tie!” adds Arthur.

Two friends united

Arthur is very grateful to our rescuers for saving his friend.

“I’m so grateful for what the RSPCA does for cats like Peter,” he says. “It’s great having a fluffy friend in the house. When I feel sad and stressed, Peter is always there for me. He is so comforting to be around. I like talking to him and I feel like I can share all my worries with him.”