Arlo

Sweet Arlo has seen it all. His trials and tribulations have been many, but you’d never know it from the incredible amount of love he’s ready to give.

Found as a tiny kitten on the street, Arlo’s rescuers first mistook him for a bunny because of his short, fluffy bobtail. Once safely in care, they discovered Arlo had been born without eyelids, a condition that caused constant discomfort and left his eyes unprotected.

Arlo soon made history as the first cat in Victoria to undergo eyelid reconstruction surgery. In an extraordinary procedure, specialist vets expertly grafted skin from Arlo's lips to create functioning eyelids for him. Thanks to their care and Arlo’s resilient spirit, he has healed beautifully.

Today, Arlo is thriving. He’ll be due for a routine check-up in a few months, but his ongoing care is minimal and currently only involves the occasional eye drop if his eyes become dry or irritated. If Arlo is adopted before his follow-up appointment, both Heart & Soul and his former foster carers will happily support and guide his new family through the process.

Despite his difficult start, Arlo is hands down the friendliest and most affectionate cat you’ll ever meet. Once he feels comfortable, he’ll want to spend every possible moment by your side. This sweet boy is endlessly enthusiastic about playtime, treats, cuddles, and simply being near his people. He sits patiently for brushing sessions and absolutely loves curling up beside you in bed or on the couch at night. Arlo thrives on attention and affection (and returns it tenfold.)

Arlo is a lover, not a fighter, and will need a calm home to truly shine. He is incredibly curious and always keen for company, but he is also a careful little soul and can be skittish in unfamiliar environments. Because of this, his ideal home would be one where he can feel safe and relaxed, alongside other pets who are playful but gentle rather than rough. Arlo has not yet been tested with dogs, but he has shown no indication that he wouldn’t adapt well in the right environment.

He adores chasing his feather wand toy and loves keeping watch over the neighbourhood from his window hammock. In the mornings, he faithfully sits beside his foster carer’s vanity table while she puts on her makeup, occasionally stopping her for a quick inspection sniff of the brushes, just to make sure she’s doing a good job.

Arlo is a stunning boy with soft medium-length grey fur, big green eyes (that are sometimes adorably a little crossed), and his signature fluffy bobtail. When he’s hunting his beloved silvervine chew toys, that little tail wiggles with excitement and you can catch him in action in the videos on his profile.

After everything he’s overcome, Arlo is more than ready for a forever home filled with the love, comfort, and companionship he so deeply deserves.