Link was adopted by Ebony Ashton and her partner, Kendric, following the loss of their first cat, Goblin. After believing they would never be able to fill the hole he left behind, the couple say Link has shown them there can be “love after loss” this International Cat Day.
The couple, from Crieff in Perthshire, were inspired to adopt a cat from the Scottish SPCA after the rescue of Goblin who came into their lives unexpectedly in 2025. After purchasing their first home, and after only a month of living at the property, Kendric was visiting a worksite when a starving cat then climbed into his car searching for food.
After speaking to the landowner and discovering that the cat appeared to have been abandoned, Kendric decided to bring him home and the pair named him Goblin.
Ebony said: “Goblin was the sweetest little creature and it was impossible to understand how somebody could have abandoned him. When we first found him, he was in very poor condition. Sadly we only had him for about 15 months before it was discovered that he had advanced liver failure. His quality of life was visibly declining day by day, so we made the incredibly difficult decision to let him go.”
Devastated by Goblin’s death, Ebony didn’t think she’d be able to love another animal the same way again. The couple put applied to adopt from the Scottish SPCA, thinking it would take a while and that they’d have time to grieve Goblin. Within a few days, the charity’s Aberdeenshire centre had reached out with the perfect match.
I was instantly sold on this seemingly nightmare cat
“At first, I thought, ‘this is a bit fast, I don’t think I’m ready’ but in hindsight, I’m so glad they contacted us as fast as they did as I think what we really needed to heal wasn’t time, but another kitty to rescue,” Ebony continued.
“After the way Goblin had barged into our lives (or car), Kendric and I decided we would let fate take the wheel again and agreed to commit to the first cat we were offered – and it was Link!
“We knew before going into the centre that Link probably wasn’t going to be very happy to meet us. We’d been told that he was having an extremely difficult time in the centre. He was apparently spending his days sitting in his little cave, barely interacting with anyone. Kendric managed to get a look at him once and mostly saw sharp teeth and an angry little face, and when it was my turn to say hello, all I heard was hissing so I quickly backed off. Personally, I like a bit of a project, so I was instantly sold on this seemingly nightmare cat!”
Like a different cat
Nearly three months later, Link is like a different cat and has become the couple’s little shadow. He loves cuddles and is always looking for attention, and has definitely found his forever home with Ebony and Kendric.
Ebony continued: “Link is especially bonded with Kendric, who is definitely his person. I actually feel like the third wheel in their bromance.
“I think the silver lining in Goblin’s passing is that it’s only because he isn’t here that we were able to give another cat a home and a family when they desperately needed one. In the early days, I thought that by taking in Link it was just us helping another cat and giving them a much-needed home, but now I realise that we needed Link just as much as he needed us.”
Ebony added: “The service we were provided by the Scottish SPCA was nothing short of exceptional. The process was extremely quick and smooth, with all the necessary information provided to us, and any questions we had explained and outlined thoroughly. The aftercare especially was absolutely outstanding, as there was always a member of staff available to answer any queries I had, which were many in the early days.
Reading to be matched with your perfect furry companion?
“It was very clear to me throughout the adoption process how much the workers at the Scottish SCPA love for and care for these animals, and they absolutely love seeing how the animals are getting on.”
Inspired by Link’s tale and ready to be matched with your perfect furry companion? Visit the Scottish SPCA website and start your adoption journey with us today.
