After years of living outside, a cat was finally indoors and so overjoyed when rescuers found his bonded feline friend.
Festus and ChesterSparkleCat Rescue
While Julie, an animal rescuer, helped and cared for community cats in a neighborhood, she noticed two strays constantly together like a bonded pair.
Chester (the Siamese mix) and Festus (the ginger) had lived outside for years. They looked out for each other on the streets and showed up at someone's property together.
With the support of Sparkle Cat Rescue, Julie set out humane traps, hoping to get them both to safety.
They showed up together outside someone's homeSparkleCat Rescue
Chester was quickly rescued and taken to the vet to be treated for a host of issues, including an upper respiratory infection.
"He also had what appeared to be pillow foot (affecting his paw pads) and a lot of problems with his teeth and mouth," Sparkle Cat Rescue shared with Love Meow.
SparkleCat Rescue
While they tended to him at the vet, volunteers continued to search for his best friend.
Festus returned to the property one day, looking for Chester. He was friendly and social, rubbing against his carer, but he vehemently refused to get into a carrier. They opted for a different plan--to set up a feeding station with a humane trap.
Chester was rescued and received much-needed medical attentionSparkleCat Rescue
After a night at the clinic, Chester came to his foster home and slowly warmed up to volunteers with the help of treats. He eventually curled up in a cubby bed for some much-needed rest.
"The Siamese boy probably missed his buddy, and the ginger was looking for him. We'd love to reunite them."
He curled up in his cubby bed, wondering where Festus wasSparkleCat Rescue
Chester perked up with a spring in his step as his paw pads healed and his eyes looked better. With newfound strength and confidence, he approached his people for attention.
"He is so gentle and doesn't mind when I syringe the different oral meds he's taking."
Chester came out of his shell when he felt betterSparkleCat Rescue
"He has sat in the window daily, and I think he was wondering where his buddy was."
After several days of diligent work, rescuers could breathe a collective sigh of relief when Festus finally walked into the trap and was off to the vet.
They finally got FestusSparkleCat Rescue
Volunteers set up a spacious room with all the amenities for the pair. Festus was a bit shaken and nervous after all the changes. The moment he arrived, Chester came running to him and rubbed up against him as their love rekindled.
"Chester was so incredibly happy. Since they were reunited, he has been staying close by Festus' side. Every day, he shows how proud and happy he is."
They were immediately snuggly, clinging to each other when they were reunitedSparkleCat Rescue
Festus has come around with the encouragement of his best friend. They have found their favorite perch by the window, nestling against each other like yin and yang, overflowing the top of a cat tree.
They rest their heads on one another while filling the room with sweet, rumbling purrs.
They enjoy nestling together on top of the cat tree by the windowSparkleCat Rescue
With their tails intertwined, arms wrapped around each other, and purr motors running nonstop, their room is brimming with joy.
"Both have lived outside for at least 3-4 years. They are a bonded pair, super sweet and deserving of a lifetime of love. We are so glad they are back together."
Chester has not left Festus' side since they were back togetherSparkleCat Rescue
Chester and Festus will never have to spend another day outside, scrounging for food and shelter. "We will work hard to make sure their future together is bright."
SparkleCat Rescue
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