This story began some time ago, but is a wonderful tale of how loving and trusting a less than perfect animal can give back to that animal a quality of life that might be thought quite impossible.

The Tale of Miracle Boy by Shirley Willett

‘In November 1985 I delivered a litter of five bi-colour kittens – all boys. One of them looked different. He had no eyes. He was a beautiful red and white harlequin. Friends said “don’t destroy him; wait until the rest of the litter kittens open their eyes and then you’ll know for sure”. By the time this happened, as he was otherwise healthy, I felt he deserved the chance of a life. Since that time he has grown into the most loveable, beautiful cat I have ever owned.

As a kitten he did everything that all the others did, but was too active a climber for his own good. He would climb to the highest level he could and after that he would just jump straight out – maybe thinking he was superman-cat – often hitting a table or other furniture on the way down. After a few accidents, he grew out of this and now takes more care. He climbs trees too, always coming down backwards, thank goodness.

I always try to stay one jump ahead of him. Like a toddler he has to be watched at all times in order that any number of mishaps are prevented. It is hard to remember the amazing number of brave ventures that he has gone through, life is complicated for a sightless cat. He is always full of surprised with his incredible awareness and curiosity, ever ready to investigate anything new in the house, and you can always count on him to be at the centre of anything that is going on of interest at any time.

When you suddenly discover him in an open suitcase or drawer or on top of the toilet cistern and you say to him in surprise:

“What are you doing there? What a clever boy you are, Miracle!” he then looks for all the world as though he too, is proud of this exploit – turning his head towards my voice, arching his back and lifting his tail. If a cat could be said to have a smile all over his face, then Miracle Boy looks as if he is grinning from ear to ear!

At home all day he goes up and down the back steps to the garden and comes inside when he feels like it. He has no fear of anyone, and usually greets people when they come to the front door.

I have taken him to other people’s homes where he wanders around, avoiding hitting the furniture and unerringly finding the litter tray no matter where he is. Generally speaking he seems to have built-in antennae. His hearing and sense of smell appear to be far more developed than in other cats. Everyone who knows him says: “He’s a little miracle” and this indeed is the name I gave him, right back at the beginning. He is quite simply my Miracle Boy.

The real trouble with Miracle Boy is that he always followed his brothers around, getting up to the same tricks & mischief as the rest of them. He seemed to think he was no different. When he was six months old he had to have a lump cut out of his shoulder, and a smaller one out of his nostril. The vet removed the lump from his shoulder without any injection and just a small one for his nose, but he never complained. Twice every day his eye sockets had to be washed as they ran dark stains all the time, although they were completely closed. He never got upset about this either. He never gets upset about anything.

As I am writing this he has climbed up onto the back of my chair in order to lick my hair. He is purring at the same time and any moment now his paws will come around my neck. Miracle loves to go out into the back gardens, through two doors and down four steps. I never leave him long without checking. He constantly amazes me. There is a tree out there where the honeybirds take their honey, and after they have done that they drop each flower to the ground. Miracle sits up and often appears to be “looking” as each flower falls, and he will go over to it, exactly where it has dropped on the grass and lick it. I call him sticky beak. I have to keep the lawns cut short as he chases the bees on the clover flowers and I am afraid he will get stung.

There 's not a thing that goes on in this house that he doesn't check out. When a litter of kittens are being born, always in a box, Miracle will sit on the coffee table and watch the whole business, looking into the box. Sorry, but what can I say, he just seems to have sight.

Miracle loves to play with the kittens, once they are about 7 weeks old. When my last litter was all sold, he went looking for them, making his special little sound, calling them. I felt so sorry for him.

All day I talk to him and even find I'm explaining things to him, some people will say"she's mad" I'm not I'm happy. And so I believe is my boy and all my other cats. When I go to cat shows, Miracle has to be shut in the bedroom for safety, stools etc have to be away from higher furniture, other things removed. I don't want an accident, like the one he had as a little tot.

There was a high scratching post which all the kittens loved to climb. Cobweb, Miracle’s special friend, would get up the top and call down to him, he'd then clamber up there with her, I used to turn him around and make him come down backwards. One day he went up and lay down, I thought he was going to have a cat nap, so turned my head. I immediately heard a huge thump. He had jumped straight out, not down, and hit the edge of a heavy coffee table. He lay motionless. I picked him up, crying:

"Please don't be dead, don’t die Miracle!" It was dreadful. But very slowly he started to move and he recovered. That night the scratching post was cut in two.

To-day is Miracle's Birthday – he is two years old. He is looking quite beautiful, so white, long silken coat, like his Dad's, and he grown a lot in the last 6 months. Often I look at him, & feel so sad knowing that one day I shall lose him. How empty I shall be without this little Miracle.’ © Shirley Willett

Postscript and sadly, so she did. He was born in November 1985 and he died in May 1988 but this story is a wonderful testament to the love that a brave impaired animal can give in return for love given to him.

Shirley Willett who lives in New South Wales where she breeds and shows Devon Rexes, Persians and Exotics, but who used to live in Sunnymeads,Wraysbury, Bucks. Her website can be found here.

Comments (31)

Carol King said:

Miracal What a beautiful story. I have heard it before from Shirley but I have never seen photos of Miracal. Just lovely. Carol

February 13, 2008

Jan Chase said:

Spiritual Such a lesson we could all learn from him. Beautiful.

February 14, 2008

paul said:

inspirational I too have heard this story before, as i am sure most of Shirley's friends have, and it still amazes me how much love is shared around the cats in Shirleys life, she is such a beautiful and caring soul, as was her miracle boy, i am sure....

February 14, 2008

Terri Reindl said:

Miracle What a beautiful boy, beautiful story, and Shirley you are a beautiful woman.

February 14, 2008

Terri Reindl said:

Miracle Shirley he was such a beautiful cat, what a beautiful story - from a beautiful woman - YOU. He was so very fortunate to have you for his human mommy. I feel very blessed to know you. Terri Reindl

February 15, 2008

Watona said:

Miracle This story moved me to tears. Happy tears, scared tears, relieved tears, sad tears. Miracle was a very special feline who was loved and cared for by a very special lady. Shirley, you gave Miracle a chance at life when so many others would not have. Your heart has such a tremendous capacity for compassion and love. Miracle benefited from this. Those of us who call you friend benefit from this as well. Thank you for giving that gorgeous kitty a chance, and thank you for sharing such a heartwarming story of love, courage, determination, and compassion. Hugs!

February 15, 2008

Glennis Cannon said:

Unconditional Love This story about the Miracle cat is proof of what love can do, if we give love without conditions we are blessed with a love that warms one all over,this is the love of any living being. The cats that Shirley rears share this loving feeling with their new owners. Unconditional love makes for a happy soul and this is what my cat has that started life at Shirley's house.

February 16, 2008

Kathy Witt said:

Mrs This is a beautiful story. I have only recently had the pleasure of meeting Shirley and I dont think I have ever met a more cat loving human. All animals are lucky to have this lady around.

February 17, 2008

Marijke said:

Miracle A wonderful story, it brought a lump to my throat and a tear to my eyes. What a beautiful, brave little cat.What a shame he was only able to bring so much joy and happiness to Shirley for only 3 years.

February 18, 2008

Josie Gray said:

Beautiful boy,beautiful mum! Although I know the story of Miracle Boy,as Shirley is a personal friend.It still brought tears to my eyes,as I knew the outcome.But he is with you still in spirit,Shirley,as all our babies are.You gave him quality life,for his short stay here.

February 19, 2008

Joyce Chin said:

Amazing story Such an amazing story,it brought tears to my eyes, I thought that we can all learn so much from cats, esp this physical impairable cat. Miracle Boy. Because you decide to give this cat a chance in life, he did surprised you and give you beyond we can imagine.

February 19, 2008

Tracy Percival said:

My Mum My mother is a Wonderful person and a Great mum. I love her dearly. She has given me so many things in life, the best being able, to just be myself. I have learnt so many lessons by just watching her do her best in what ever life's ups and downs send her. Mum has always loved all aniamals, yet I think Miracle boy was her most precious. While reading mum's story of Miracle boy, I could see her with him and how wonderful they were together. Mum just loves her cats and they love her. Reading all the above comments makes me beam with pride, that Shirley is my mum. Love always Tracy (T G)

February 21, 2008

Erica Meyer said:

That's my mum How proud I am to call Shirley my mum. She loves her family and her animals. But mostly her cats.She has a wonderful sense of humour, always enjoys a joke. Is a very determined and independant lady and young at heart. I have a photo of her when she was a little girl pushing a pram with her cat dressed up taking it for a ride. She is a woman filled with great passion where her cats are concerned. She always wants the best for them and always trys to make sure they get it. Miracle Boy was a great love of her life. Mum has been an great inspiration to me and a great example in my life. I'm her first born and so proud of her. She is a wonderful mum, grandmum and a great grandmum. Love you heaps. Ricky

February 24, 2008

Tracy Alsop said:

how beautiful both Shirley and Miracle Boy Shirley i have known you for a while and u never cease to amaze me with your love and compassion and i have a certain soft spot for yourself and your animals, i have no doubt that there was a reason Miracle was with you and a reason you were with him, all my love always Tracexxxx(formally Dollywood Ragdolls).

February 27, 2008

Sue Burrell said:

Precious Boy Precious Shirley Shirley in my next life I want to come back as a cat in your house, there would be no better place to live! You truely are a beautiful, kind & giving person.

March 02, 2008

Andrea Hatch said:

a little miracle i have just finished reading this and there are tears streaming from my eyes.Miracle was very blessed to have you and you, he.shirley your capacity to love and care for that beautiful cat amazes me and humbles me. I may never have met him but miracle will now forever be in my heart. As will you.

July 04, 2008

Jan Bruce said:

A Beautiful Story Shirley ... what a beautiful story. Miracle Boy is proof that no matter what we can achieve and live a good and happy life. I am so touched by this ... and yes, it has brought tears to my eyes as I read through the story of this WonderCat. And you, Shirley, were so caring and loving to keep him and let him have this life proving that miracles can happen.

August 22, 2008

Sally Lynch said:

Miracle: what a beautiful boy! Like all Shirley's 'babies', Miracle Boy was a very lucky cat to have such a caring, kind and compassionate mum. I knew instantly when I met Shirley, our new babies were coming from a great home. This story confirms just how wonderful Shirley really is. PS I cant wait to watch my Shirlim kittens grow and will keep in touch with Shirley as I know she likes to stay in contact with her babies and know they are loved. (and in our case, spoilt rotten!)

December 30, 2008

Sonia said:

Lovely Story Thank you for sharing your beautiful story. As they say, 'unless one has loved an animal, a part of ones soul remains unwoken' So true.

December 30, 2008

Sharn Shiells said:

Inspiration I've known Shirley for ten yrs now,i have one of her gorgeous devons'i too have heard about Miracle,however after reading&seeing the pic.the reality brought tears to my eyes,how sad to lose such a special cat God knows who to send the special souls to!Thankyou Shirley,i am blessed to have you for a friend,God Bless You.I love you.xo

January 21, 2009

Emma Gadd said:

If it was not for you. Shirley I've only meet you recently,but feel like I've known you for years.This story dose not surprise me for the love you have for your cats comes out in there personality. There amazing and so are you,There all very luck to have you! Thank you Shirley.Your a very GREAT lady.

February 16, 2009

patricia barker said:

website I enjoyed reading your story about your lovely cat Mirical as I love cats very much we had four cats two rescue cats called Sylvester and Natasher, our other cats Star and Ziggy Sylvester died on 2oth January this year we still miss him very much we had him just over two years he was fifteen years old

March 02, 2009

Robyn said:

thank you Its so beautiful that there are people who will not discard something just because its not perfect. Thank you for caring for this dear little animal and for giving him the love that he so deserved. God bless you Shirley.

September 19, 2009

Ros said:

kindred spirits I became the forever Mum to one of Shirley's devons 2 years ago and to another just recently. When I first met Shirley and brought my first baby boy home, I knew that Shirley loved her cats very much and that she had a great intuition for people and animals. At that time I was in a very sad place in my personal life and it was this dear little kitten bred in a home of love and caring that brought joy back into my life and taught me to laugh again at his crazy antics and wonderful personality. I firmly believe we get back from others what we give to them and this is never truer than with animals. Given love, affection, patience and kindness, our pets mirror these back to us giving a pure joy, selfless and constant. The chance and then the support which Shirley gave to Miracle were repaid in love and joy. Although there is a mortal limit to the time we can spend with those we love, the love we share is eternal. I understand what it is to love a "lost cause' and to see hope where those more cynical see none. We have a toy poodle rescued literally from death row (to be euthanased the next day) at the pound. He was a miserable mess of hair matted with fleas and dirt and stinking of his own filth and that of every other animal in the pound. He wasn't really the kind of dog we wanted and he looked (and smelt) repulsive, he cowered and quivered when approached. But I couldn't leave him there. He's still with us today, 3 years on. Sometimes when I see him bounding across a paddock, so unlike the creature in the pound, he radiates sheer bliss in living; the sun, the grass and the wind in his face simple pleasures restored to a little animal down on his luck. I still don't like poodles particularly but I don't regret bringing Merry home. I have seen a dog smile. bless you Shirley

January 16, 2010

Georgia said:

What a gem Our family has just met Shirley and this story confirms our first impressions: what a lovely lady, completely devoted to the wellbeing of her cats, a kind and giving soul. The world could do with more Shirleys.

February 16, 2010

Sandra said:

Lovely lady We have just brought our baby boy from shirley he is not old enough to come home with us just yet i go and visit him when i can i fell in love with him the minute i saw him shirley has breed some beautiful Devons and i can see that they are well loved and have wonderful personalities thanks to the love and attention from shirley. The devotion she has and reading the story about miracle proves it i look forward to bringing my little boy home.

March 31, 2010

Lee Wright said:

Great Breeder I adopted a kitten from Shirley and have been to her cattery several times and she loves cats and treats them so very well. The eyeless cat could not have had a better home or more care. It is good to know that there are good breeders about and I'm privileged that Shirley entrusted Arctica to my care.

November 08, 2010

Amanda said:

Beautiful Such an inspirational and heart warming story. Shirley, you are an amazing, caring, woman and I am blessed to know you and absolutely cherish our friendship. Thank you for sharing Miracles' story. xx

November 08, 2010

Karli Dwyer said:

A true miracle! What a beautiful, touching and inspirational story! I know I shed a few tears! He was so very lucky to have you in his life as you were blessed to have him. Thank you for sharing Miracles beautiful tale. Its stories like this that just confirm why I chose to get our beautiful baby from you. Your love and devotion to your cats in inspiring! xx

November 08, 2010

Tamara Allen said:

A Special Lady My sons brought me Blanket a beautiful Devon Rex from Shirley this year for my B/day from the moment i met Shirley i felt she was a very special person now after i have read Shirley & Miracles story i know she is,she is the most real person in the cat breeding world i have had the pleasure of meeting my family all love Blanket very much & am waiting for the next litter so we can get her a friend thank you so much Shirley so happy i met you xxx Tamara

November 10, 2010

Crystal said:

What a beautiful story I've never read such a beautiful story that touches my heart, he must of been just one of those that are just so special. I'm looking forward to being able to have one of your cats as it would be a great pleasure as you are an insperation. The story is great, and its good to here that some breeders are really in it for the heart and love not the money. Looking forward to meeting you. Crystalxx

November 19, 2010

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