A young rescue cat who arrived at the RSPCA in Taunton with severe cat flu has found a purr-fect work life balance - as his new owners have built him a home office as a base for his mousing. home. Bertie, previously named Beetle, was just 12 weeks old when he came into the care of the RSPCA West Hatch Animal Centre. Rescued from a multi-cat household where his owners were struggling to manage the numbers, Bertie was suffering from a serious case of cat flu that left his right eye irreparably damaged. Following surgery to remove the eye and plenty of care, Bertie made a swift recovery. In August, he was adopted by Hannah Lawson from Taunton, who says the one-eyed feline has quickly become “part of the family.” “Bertie is a superstar,” said Hannah. “He ticks all the boxes as a family cat. He’s playful, loving, and full of personality. In the evenings, he sprawls across me on the sofa, which is lovely. His missing eye doesn’t bother him at all—he tracks his toys and even chases spiders around the house!” Hannah, her husband Andy, and their teenage sons Ollie, 16, and James, 15, were already experienced in giving rescue cats a second chance. Their previous cat, also adopted from West Hatch, inspired a unique feature in their home renovation: a custom-built ‘mouse hole’ leading to a cat flap, ensuring access to the garden. The quirky tunnel is now Bertie’s domain, and he loves it. The family also created a special office for Bertie to share with Andy, who works from home. “Andy converted a wine box into a cosy little office for Bertie, complete with ‘office hours’ written on the front, which the kids found hilarious,” Hannah said. “Bertie mostly sleeps in it, but he also drags his toys and belongings in there—it’s very sweet.” Bertie’s antics have made him a much-loved addition to the household. From dragging stools across the kitchen to hiding in cupboards and fishing toys out of water bowls, he keeps the family entertained. He especially enjoys playing with Ollie and James before curling up on Hannah’s lap for a cuddle at the end of the day. Hannah praised the RSPCA West Hatch team, saying, “They’ve been brilliant. The adoption process was so thorough, and they offer great follow-up support. We’ve adopted two cats from them now, and I can’t fault them at all.” For Bertie, who once faced a difficult start in life, his new home is a testament to the power of rescue and a reminder that every cat deserves a second chance—complete with a cosy office and a mouse hole, of course. Where: Taunton, Somerset, United Kingdom When: 26 Nov 2024 Credit: RSPCA/Cover Images **EDITORIAL USE ONLY. MATERIALS ONLY TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH EDITORIAL STORY. THE USE OF THESE MATERIALS FOR ADVERTISING, MARKETING OR ANY OTHER COMMERCIAL PURPOSE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. MATERIAL COPYRIGHT REMAINS WITH STATED SUPPLIER.**