Adoption update: Baby and kitten grow up together

If you’re looking for your daily dose of serotonin, you’ve come to the right place. Say hello to Bruce, a friendly feline with sleek gray fur, and Ollie, an energetic preschooler powered by giggles and fruit snacks. We first introduced readers to these adorable besties four years ago, when Ollie’s parents adopted Bruce the kitten when he was a 3-month-old kitten, the same age as their son. Since then, the bond between boy and cat has grown stronger every day, even as life ushered in big changes.

Soon after the joy of Ollie’s birth, his family faced heartbreak: Their beloved cat, Anya, passed away from cancer. To some, the newborn stage may not seem like the ideal time to adopt a pet. But Ollie’s parents always wanted their child to grow up with a furry companion, like they did when they were kids. So to find a friend for Ollie — and to honor Anya — they started looking for a new cat.

Their search led them to Best Friends, where a slate-gray kitten named Bruce had recently arrived from a nearby shelter. Best Friends’ goal is for shelters across the country to reach no-kill, and collaborating with our shelter partners to take in and place their pets in new homes is just one of the ways we work together toward that shared goal.

When Ollie’s parents met Bruce, they were smitten by his sparkling yellow eyes and his curious yet gentle personality. They adopted him — a decision that would shape their son’s childhood.

When Bruce came home, he immediately connected with little Ollie. Within two days, his parents say the pair was inseparable.

So what can a kitten and a baby do together? According to Bruce and Ollie, just about everything. Under the close supervision of Ollie’s parents, the two played with toys, napped side-by-side, and went on adventures all over the house.

[Kids have the time of their lives fostering kittens]

Even though neither could speak, they still communicated their happiness about being together. A smiling Ollie always kept his bright blue eyes fixed on Bruce, while Bruce constantly rubbed up against Ollie to show that he loved and trusted him.

More than four years have passed since Bruce first came home, and he and his young human continue to discover new things together. Bruce was by Ollie’s side as he took his first steps — which Bruce soon realized had its perks. A mobile toddler with refined motor skills could access the cat treats, open the bag, and hand out snacks. And that was just one way Ollie was becoming a thoughtful cat guardian. He learned to shake the wand toy exactly the way Bruce liked to chase it and initiated games of hide-and-seek inside crinkle tunnels.

[Kids pay it forward to the animals]

Then came big news: Ollie was going to be a big brother. In true Bruce and Ollie fashion, they got right to work preparing. Babies require lots of gear, so they tested everything for quality control. With Bruce playing the role of “baby,” Ollie pushed him in the stroller and rocked him in the bouncer, ensuring everything would be just right for the newcomer.

When baby sister arrived, the dynamic duo turned into a trio. Bruce seamlessly slipped back into his role as feline big brother, keeping careful watch over the baby and treating her with gentle kindness. And like clockwork, as soon as she learned to walk, he taught her how to distribute treats.

Ollie’s parents hoped that growing up with a pet would help their son learn compassion, empathy, and responsibility — and that’s what happened. From sharing toys with his sister to treating his cat with tender care, Ollie has grown into one kind kid. Here’s to many more years of love and life lessons for Bruce, Ollie, and little sister.

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. 

Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.