If you grew up with a cat, chances are, they hold a sacred place in your heart. No matter how many years go by, you still think of them often and all the happy memories you shared. Many times, people long to recapture that strong connection with a childhood pet.
Hopefully, when the timing is right, you’ll get that chance to rekindle a deep, loving bond again. That’s what happened for one woman recently in the San Jose, California, area.
An Orange Kitten Was Her Childhood Best Friend
It was 1967 when a rescuer’s stepmom shared a wonderful bond with a long-haired orange kitten. All these years later, she cherished the memories but had never found a similar connection again.
“My stepmom had a long-haired orange cat when she was a girl (pictured in 1967), and as an only child, he was her best friend. She’s been waiting for a long time to connect with a kitten the way she did with him,” shared Allie.
Images and media via Instagram/Halfway Crate
Flash forward 57 years later to May 2024, and one of Allie’s first foster kittens was a chonky orange cutie fondly called Drumstick. As soon as her stepmom met him, she knew: This was the one, a chance she hand’t had since childhood.
“She’s been waiting for a long time to connect with a kitten the way she did with him. She fell in love with Drumstick, and after a few tests with their current cat, she decided he was the one. He was neutered yesterday and I’ll be dropping him off at his forever home in a few hours. His new name is Colonel Mewett. I’m so excited to watch this big boy grow!”
The cute kitten’s name is a play on the family’s name and his previous name with its “fried chicken roots.”
Colonel Mewett Was a ‘Drumstick’ Found In a Park
Colonel Mewett will now become a purrmanent and adored part of the family. And to think he almost didn’t make it.
Someone found the 2-day-old orphan in a park. Sadly, his two siblings didn’t survive. Yet, against all odds, he found a neonate expert with an warm incubator to care for him.
Given the care Allie provided, Drumstick lived up to his nickname, growing unusually fast.
“Drumstick, the most perfect kitten to kickoff Kitten Season 2024🍗
Video via Instagram/Halfway Crate
By three and a half weeks old, Drumstick’s relaxed orange cat purrsonality emerged. As we know, orange cats are just a little different in the best way pawsible!
“He’s such a chill little guy. I’m not sure if it’s because there’s not much going on in his brain or if it’s just his personality. To be honest, I’m hoping it’s a little bit of both 😂. Yesterday afternoon we took a long nap on the couch and he was snuggled near my neck purring the entire time 🥰,” she shared.
At four and a half weeks old, Drumstick was beginning to wean to solid food. But he still looked like a giant potato with legs. Whatever life threw at hime, he remained a “chill” little dude without a care in the world.
While going on a car ride in his carrier, Drumstick was so relaxed as his bulging body hung out everywhere. While most kittens would be scared going on a car ride, he remains so relaxed.
Ready to Make New Meowmories
At seven weeks old, Drumstick’s belly still looked gigantic. The healthy kitten weighs more than most eight-week-olds. Even when getting his nails clipped, he’s completely at ease. It looks like Colonel Mewett is going to keep on growing into a huge, lovable mountain of an orange cat, making new meowmories while bringing his Mom back to the happy days from her childhood.
“He was a big boy from birth and it looks like it’ll stay that way!” Allie said.
You can see more and follow and support Allie at Halfway Crate on Instagram.
