When Megan Day first set eyes on little Harkness, a tiny kitten with a dysfunctional left forelimb and twisted toes, she knew immediately that she had to help.
Rushed to RSPCA's Lonsdale shelter via our Animal Ambulance, the poor baby was malnourished - weighing only 790 grams - and covered in fleas.
Worse yet, his front leg was in such a bad state the little guy needed an amputation - but nothing could happen until Harkness put on some weight and grew strong enough to cope with surgery.
With Megan (who works at RSPCA) watching over him, Harkness slowly began to improve. Yet RSPCA's vet team struggled, as this active kitten each day managed to unwrap bandages designed to protect his malformed leg - leaving the poor boy with carpet burn.
As Harkness began to gain feeling in his bad leg, veterinarians decided to act immediately to save him from harm, operating to remove Harkness's left forelimb.
The road to recovery as Harkness is freed from pain
After a successful surgery, Harkness spent the first 24 hours cuddled in foster carer Megan's arms. It's the only way the little fella would sleep peacefully.
His next nine days were also spent with Megan, as Harkness recovered from his major operation - which did not slow him down at all!
"Harkness was a complete crazy cat now that he didn't have his bung leg to hold him back," Megan says.
"He kept wanted to do zoomies around my room, but I had to let him recover."
Thankfully, Harkness made a speedy recovery, meaning he was soon ready to find his fur-ever home.
Cuddles, zoomies and non-stop laughter with a new fur-ever family
Megan's cousin Alyssia took a real liking to Harkness, and adopted him as soon as the kitten was cleared by RSPCA's vets.
"It's the perfect outcome, as I still get to visit Harkness and receive updates on how he is doing," Megan says.
Harkness settled in to his new home almost immediately, making lasting friendships with Alyssia's four-year-old son and his RSPCA rescue fur-brother, George the cat.
"My son loves cuddling Harkness and carrying him around the house," Alyssia says.
This special kitty's favourite past times include 'stealing' food (especially cheese), fighting off snakes with his brother George and cuddling up to his human when she's having a cuppa.
Three legs doesn't stop this little guy from jumping around the house, climbing stairs and zooming around the house at full speed (even when his human encourages him not to).
"He brings so much energy and laughter into the house and is definitely the boss around here," Alyssia says.
Alyssia's thoughts on adopting from RSPCA? "Just do it. It's something you will never regret."
We are so happy Harkness has found a beautiful and loving home with Alyssia and her family. If you're considering opening your heart and home to a rescued animal, head over here to see all our animals currently available for adoption.
