Peggy’s story began in an abandoned pub, where her pregnant mother was rescued along with 20 other cats and brought safely into the RSPCA’s care. After everything the mama cat had endured, she was too overwhelmed to care for her newborns — and after two days, she rejected tiny Peggy.
At just 48 hours old, Peggy needed to be hand-reared to survive. She was fragile, impossibly small, and everyone feared she might not pull through. But Peggy had a few incredible surprises waiting for them.
RSPCA inspector Leanne Booth stepped in to foster the little kitten, caring for her around the clock. When Peggy was born, she was a soft silver-gray puff. As she grew stronger, her appearance started to change — and her rescuers learned the secret behind her unusual coloring.
Peggy had what’s called a “fever coat,” a temporary silver sheen that can appear when a mother cat is stressed or unwell during pregnancy. As Peggy thrived under Booth’s care, the silver gradually faded away … revealing her true color underneath.
She wasn’t silver at all — she was a sleek, beautiful black kitten.
Booth adored watching Peggy’s transformation but couldn’t help worrying. Black cats often wait longer for adopters. Luckily, Peggy didn’t have to wait at all. Cheryl Hague, another RSPCA employee, fell instantly in love and adopted her just in time for Halloween.
“I was working on a campaign to encourage people to adopt pets in our care during this rehoming crisis when I came across her,” Hague told The Dodo. “Her story really pulled on my heartstrings.”
Though Booth was sad to say goodbye, she knew Peggy was going exactly where she belonged.
“It’s always bittersweet when a pet you’ve helped has to leave,” Booth said. “But it means I have room to help another little puppy or kitten who needs me. And knowing Peggy is in a loving home — those happy endings are the best part of my job.”
Now Peggy is thriving, playful, and completely adored in her new family.
“She is so playful and cute, and we adore her,” Booth said. “It’s thanks to our dedicated staff and carers that she’s here. I just hope more people will step forward to help the many animals in our centers who need loving homes.”
If you’d like to adopt a black cat like Peggy, the RSPCA’s adoptable pets are waiting.
