A tiny feline discovered his permanent human caretaker just when she required him the most.
Ellen Carozza, a Licensed Veterinary Technician at Nova Cat Clinic, received heart-wrenching news when her beloved feline companion and best friend of nearly seven years, Benny the cat (known affectionately as Benedict Cumbercat), passed away on April 2nd due to Feline Aortic Thromboembolism. Benny meant the world to Ellen and was a constant source of comfort and joy in her life. He even played a vital role in helping her care for orphaned kittens, giving them his signature kisses to help them feel loved and supported. With his gentle nature and unwavering spirit, Benny served as an incredible surrogate father to these tiny creatures and always lifted up those around him who needed it most.
Ellen shared that Benny entered her life when she was in dire need of a feline companion after a long hiatus without one. Unfortunately, Benny passed away too soon due to his deteriorating health which left Ellen devastated. She expressed how it felt like a part of her soul died with him and going home after work was never the same without her beloved cat.
Ellen’s love for feline patients and rescues remained unwavering even after her cat, Benny’s death. Although she struggled with depression whenever she stopped working, she found solace in the fact that Benny was a significant part of her life. According to Ellen, Benny was not just any other cat, but he was everything to her. Despite his absence, she remained optimistic that he would return, just like he had done before.
After a month had passed, Ellen received a message from The Chris Griffey Memorial Feline Foundation, a nonprofit organization that she runs. The message was about a group of orphaned kittens that needed help, and it came through the Arlington Welfare League’s Kitten College. Ellen works closely with many rescues, shelters, and foster groups, so this was not an unusual request for her. When she saw the photo of the kittens, she was struck by how much one of them resembled Benny, a beloved cat who had passed away. There were several similarities between them, from their upper respiratory infections to their laid-back personalities. Even their physical features matched in certain ways, such as the white tail tip on a cinnamon-colored kitten and the single sun-kissed spot on the back of another kitten’s head. Benny loved to sit in the sun all day, and this particular kitten seemed to have a similar love for sunlight. Ellen saw this as a serendipitous moment and knew she had to help these kittens.
Ellen felt a mix of excitement and apprehension as she prepared to meet the adorable kittens. She was worried that she might not be ready for the responsibility, but all of her doubts vanished when she held a Benny look-alike in her arms. Time seemed to stand still as Ellen savored the moment, feeling an instant connection with the little furball. She couldn’t help but feel that Ambrose, the white kitten, was meant to be hers. As she cradled him close, everything just felt right.
At the age of approximately four weeks, kittens do not exhibit a distinct personality right away. They need time to adjust to their new environment, food, and handling, much like any other feline. However, Ambrose was unique in this regard. When Ellen held him, the small and fluffy kitten immediately snuggled up to her, just like Benny did when she first brought him home.
The moment they met, there was a spark of familiarity between them, much like the one Benny used to have. Ellen’s new kitten easily adapted to his new surroundings and his actions felt warm and reassuring.
It brings him utmost joy to be held in Ellen’s pocket as if he were an infant. He feels so relaxed that he often dozes off quickly and soundly. He is also a fantastic bottle-fed baby, devouring his meals with gusto.
Ambrose is overjoyed when he’s with his beloved owner who is now his life-long human mom. He’s able to give her the comfort and love she’s been missing, mending her feline-shaped wound with his affectionate purrs and cuddles. They both have many exciting experiences ahead of them that they can’t wait to embark on together.
Ellen expressed her belief that losing a pet is not the ultimate end. Instead, it opens up an opportunity to welcome another pet who needs love and care. In an interview with Love Meow, she shared her personal experience and stated that Ambrose, her new pet, has filled the void in her heart. Ellen hopes that others can find comfort in providing a loving home to a new pet after losing one.
