Adam Henson, the popular presenter from the BBC’s Countryfile, recently shared a personal story about adopting a kitten that initially filled him with apprehension. In his book, Christmas on the Farm, Henson details the emotional journey of bringing home a new family member during the festive season.
The story unfolds during a Christmas when Henson, then 59, was grappling with the challenge of finding the perfect present for his wife, Charlie Henson. In his search, he ventured to a local farm where the owner was attempting to sell a litter of kittens. Despite the family’s previous vow to not get another cat following the passing of their beloved pet, Percy, Henson felt drawn to the idea of gifting a kitten to Charlie.
The farmer offered Henson a kitten on the condition he could catch one, which proved to be a task fraught with challenges. After some effort, he successfully caught a kitten, only to discover that she was in poor health. “She was sneezy and her little tummy was bloated; she was a sad spectacle,” Henson noted in his book. The farmer expressed concern that the kitten may not survive, prompting Henson to make a quick stop for emergency supplies on his way home.
Upon arriving home, Henson revealed the kitten to Charlie, acknowledging her mixed feelings. “Much as she loves cats, she was worried about this sad, sneezy little specimen,” he wrote, reflecting on the potential heartache he might have introduced to the family.
Despite his initial regrets, particularly when a veterinarian later assessed the kitten’s condition, Henson’s decision ultimately proved to be fortuitous. Over time, the kitten, affectionately named Twiglet, thrived and became a cherished member of the family. Henson described her transformation: “She grew into a beautiful, fluffy cat.”
The family dynamics shifted positively with the addition of Twiglet. Henson’s children, Alfie and Ella, aged six and ten at the time, quickly formed a bond with the kitten. Although Henson himself identifies more as a “dog person,” he acknowledged that Twiglet became the family’s “favourite Christmas present.”
Twiglet’s journey did not end with her adoption. She went on to have two litters of kittens, one of which, named Frank, stayed with the family. Henson, who operates Cotswold Farm Park, reflected on the joy Twiglet brought into their lives as they adjusted to life on their Gloucestershire farm.
Looking ahead, Henson is set to return to television with a special episode of Countryfile, titled A Cornish Christmas, airing on December 21, 2023, at 17:05 GMT on BBC One. Alongside fellow presenters Matt Baker and Anita Rani, he will explore Christmas traditions in Cadgwith, promising viewers an engaging look into festive celebrations.
Henson’s heartfelt story serves as a reminder of the complex emotions surrounding pet adoption, illustrating how new family members can unexpectedly enrich our lives, even when initial fears may suggest otherwise.
