Last summer, our home gained a new sparkle when Alfie entered our lives. At just six months old, this spunky orange tabby was supposed to be a temporary guest—a foster kitten on his way to finding a forever family. Little did we know, that family would end up being us.
It all started on day one. Alfie wasn’t having any of this “foster room” business. He Houdini’d his way out, parading around the house like he already owned the place.
Our two resident cats, Topsy and Vernon, seemed surprisingly unfazed. Vernon was curious and playful, while Topsy, our queen bee, gave her royal nod of approval.
I jokingly said, “Well, we might just have to keep him!” And, as you’ve probably guessed, that joke became reality.
Fast forward to today, and Alfie has fully integrated into our family. He and Vernon are the best of buddies, always chasing each other around and concocting mischief.
Meanwhile, Topsy has found a cuddle partner in Alfie, often curling up with him for afternoon naps. Alfie’s not just a joy to our household—he’s become a little helper, too.
He’s been instrumental in socializing two separate foster kitten families, getting them ready to find loving homes of their own.
My wife has a beautiful theory about Alfie. She believes our old orange cat, Philly, who passed nearly three years ago, sent Alfie to us.
Philly had such a big presence in our lives, and losing him left a void. Since then, we’ve welcomed two playful boy cats—first Vernon, and now Alfie—both of whom have brought so much love and life back into our home.
It’s as if Philly knew exactly what we needed to make our family whole again.
Alfie is more than just another cat in our household. He’s a reminder that sometimes the best things in life aren’t planned—they’re found in the unlikeliest of moments, like when a cheeky kitten decides he’s already home.
