Gabriel was 14-weeks-old when he was found on his own in Peterlee, County Durham, days before Christmas last year. Another kitten, Arthur, was discovered at the same builder’s yard weeks earlier.
Rescuers from the RSPCA realised the pair were brothers and they “instantly recognised each other” when they were reunited.
The kittens, who are both blind, have now been rehomed together with experienced cat owner Helen Marritt, 44, from County Durham.
RSPCA Inspector Krissy Raine, who rescued Gabriel, said: “We believe poor Gabriel lost both of his eyes after having cat flu as a tiny kitten and that left him with empty eye sockets.
“After telling one of my colleagues about his story we realised she’d rescued another little kitten from the same area a few weeks before and that they were brothers.
“It was so wonderful to reunite them; it was a Christmas miracle.
“They instantly recognised each other and it was really heartwarming to know that they had each other again.”
Ginger kitten Gabriel underwent surgery to stitch his eyes shut to prevent any possible future infections.
Arthur, who is ginger and white, had both his eyes removed in surgery when he was rescued six weeks before Gabriel as he was suffering from a painful condition called entropion which had left them damaged.
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“They’ve settled in so well and, after a little bit of confusion to start, all of the cats are bumbling along really well with each other now.
“Greebo is especially loving having some new cats to play with and they all spend hours chasing balls around the room.
“It’s hard to believe sometimes that Arthur and Gabriel can’t see, it’s truly amazing watching them play, they’re so clever.
“Arthur enjoys ‘helping’ Andy work from home by climbing up on his shoulders and keeping him company.
“Gabriel is less keen on human company, but loves all our other cats and follows them around, which is really sweet.”
The family have eight cats in total and are looking forward to spoiling them this Christmas.
Mrs Marritt said: “Christmas with all eight cats will be hilariously chaotic; we’re already making bets on how long the Christmas tree will stay up, especially as Arthur and Gabriel are so curious and love to climb!
“They both love playing in boxes and chasing scrunched up balls of paper so Christmas Day will be heaven for them!
“All of the cats will get their own special stocking so the mantelpiece will be a bit full this year but we wouldn’t have it any other way. Arthur and Gabriel are our little Christmas miracles and we love them so much.”
To support the RSPCA’s Christmas Rescue campaign click here.
