Welcoming Stevie – A Pawsitively Inspiring Adoption Story from The Cat Butler Thame

When Sam Heggie, our wonderful franchisee in Thame, said goodbye to her senior cat, Patch, her home felt incomplete. But a visit to a local animal sanctuary brought Stevie – a fluffy, affectionate five-year-old – into her life. In this uplifting story, Sam shares how adopting Stevie helped her family heal while giving a rescue cat a second chance.

A New Addition to the Family

"Adopt, Adopt, Adopt!" That’s the heartfelt message from Sam, who has spent the past few weeks helping her newest family member, Stevie, settle into his new home.

After the sad loss of her beloved senior cat, Patch, just days after his 18th birthday, Sam and her family felt it was time to honour his memory by giving another cat a second chance.

Sam explains: "It was a very sad time losing our lovely old boy, Patch, who we actually adopted as an older cat when he was 14. He’d become a massive part of the family and was thoroughly spoiled! We like to think he had his best years with us and passed away peacefully at home, with us by his side, in February."

Finding Stevie

As many cat lovers know, the house can feel empty without the comforting presence of a cat. So, the family reached out to The Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary (OAS), based in Stadhampton, Oxfordshire, to begin the search for their next companion.

“We were introduced to three lovely furballs – you really could have taken each one! – and ended up adopting our five-year-old ball of fluff, Stevie,” says Sam. "He was named by my son.”

Stevie, a white and grey domestic shorthair, arrived at his furever home on Saturday, 22nd February, and has been settling in beautifully ever since.

Settling In

“We liken him to a seal pup – he’s always lying on his back with his belly and paws in the air,” jokes Sam. “He’s such a big softie and absolutely loves the sunshine (much like Patch did), his radiator bed, cuddles – and food! We couldn’t have asked for anything more. He’s simply the purrfect addition to our family."

Consider Adoption

With so many cats still in need of loving homes – 33 cats and kittens were rehomed via The Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary in February alone – Sam is keen to encourage other would-be pet parents to consider adoption.

If you’re thinking of bringing a cat into your life, please consider adopting. You’ll be giving a cat the chance of a wonderful new beginning – and they might just change your life too.

Find Out More

To learn more about the incredible work of The Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary, visit their website here.

Sandra James

Owner & Founder

The Cat Butler was set up by Sandra James in recognition of the fact that a stay in a cattery can be unsettling for many cats and also their owners.