We’re still hearing awesome stories from the PETstock National Pet Adoption Day event. Here’s one about a shy little kitten who helped a heartbroken pensioner take the first steps to happiness after the devastating loss of her cat.

Nina’s beloved cat Mischief had recently passed away after 13 years of love and companionship. Nina was inconsolable.

After hearing about the PETstock National Pet Adoption Day, Nina and her husband David decided to pop in to their local Kingsford store, just to have a look.

“When I saw the litter of eight little kittens, I started crying again because they reminded me of my Mischief,” said Nina.

The Operation Cat adoption team did their best to console Nina, but it was a small black and white kitten hiding in the corner that stopped her tears. Nina knew he was the one.

Darren from Operation Cat said, “When we did all the paperwork, she picked up the carrier and put it to her face and said ‘you're my baby now’ and off they went. It was so sweet, just the thought that this little kitten was going to help her heal, and she recognised that he probably needed her too.”

Now named Marquis, it didn’t take long for the shy little kitten to find his place in Nina and David’s home, and in their hearts. Marquis, a graduate of Operation Cat’s Kitten University, has completed his journey from straggly stray, to pound kitty, to cherished furry friend in a safe, loving home.

“At first he was very shy, hiding everywhere. The next day David took him in his lap and started cuddling him. He changed, completely changed in a matter of minutes,” said Nina.

“Now he recognises us as his owners and he is a very affectionate and playful cat. In the morning, he jumps and runs like crazy - wanting to play.

“I am still crying, in my soul. I still remember my Mischief, but Marquis is a good replacement, I love him. We are pensioners, and he brings life into our house.”

If reading this Happy Tail has inspired you to consider adopting, we have thousands of adorable pets waiting for their forever homes right now.