Local family adopts kitten injured in January bushfires

A KITTEN found injured in northern Victoria after the January bushfires has found a new home with a local family.

The young cat, now named Toast, lives in Clifton Springs with veterinary receptionist Genna Burns, her husband Patrick – who is a firefighter with Fire Rescue Victoria – and their 11-year-old son Harvey.

Toast was discovered on a fire-ravaged property in the Murray Valley region, where wildlife rescuers and veterinary staff were searching through the ruins for surviving animals.

He was found alongside a sibling, both with severe burns to their paws and bodies. While Toast survived, his sister later died from her injuries.

Toast was treated at a nearby veterinary clinic, where Genna’s sister-in-law works. When he was well enough to travel, the Burns family offered him a home.

Toast arrived still recovering from burns to his paws, his legs, rump and the tips of his ears, as well as smoke-related damage to his airway.

“He has some long-lasting damage to his airway, so he has a funny purr on him,” Genna said. “That’s due to some long-term scarring from inhaling smoke and probably the fire itself.”

His name came easily.

“His full government name on his microchip is Toast Burns,” Genna said.

Despite his difficult start, Toast quickly settled into family life and as his paws healed, his personality began to emerge.

“He’s got no fear whatsoever,” Genna said. “He chases after the dogs and chases after the cats and gets amongst everything and wants to be friends with everybody.”

The energetic kitten has also formed a close bond with Harvey.

“They play basketball together in his room. He’s got a little mini basketball hoop…and they chase each other around. They’re absolutely best friends,” Genna said.

“He’s fit in so well with our family.”

Now about four months old, Toast likes to keep close to the action – often perched on someone’s shoulder.

He has also become a familiar face at the Armstrong Creek Veterinary Practice, where Genna works.

“He comes in with me sometimes and sits up at reception,” she said. “He’s become a bit of a local celebrity.”

“The only thing we need to keep an eye on is his airway and his breathing. But other than that, you wouldn’t know. He’s the perfect little boy.”