It’s unfortunate, but sometimes people are hesitant around animals that don’t seem to be sweet and friendly, especially if their appearance is ‘off-putting.’ This was especially true for Ace, a cat who had a rough start in life. As a kitten, Ace was left to survive on the streets, homeless and fending for himself. Thankfully, his fortunes changed when he was rescued and later adopted by a loving family. But his journey wasn’t without further challenges—an infection led to the loss of one of his eyes.

This gave Ace a unique appearance that, sadly, caused some people, especially children, to be a bit wary of him. His owner, Norma Maikovich, mentioned that people are often unsure how to approach Ace. “He can seem a bit intimidating, especially to kids,” Norma told The Dodo. “Many are hesitant to come up to him.”

Despite his looks, Ace is a friendly cat who loves to spend his days lounging in the driveway. To keep an eye on her beloved feline, Norma installed a security camera. What she captured on the footage one day truly warmed her heart.

The camera revealed a young boy who visited Ace daily, completely undeterred by his appearance. The footage showed the boy sitting with Ace, petting and playing with him as if they were lifelong companions. The sweet interactions between the two left Norma deeply touched.

In one of the clips, you can see just how much Ace enjoys the boy’s company—he cuddles up to him, eager for their playtime together. “It was heartwarming to see how comfortable and familiar they were with each other,” Norma shared. “Ace waits by the front door, and the moment he spots his friend, he rushes out to greet him. It’s amazing to witness the bond they’ve formed.”

Once Norma realized how much the boy and Ace enjoyed each other’s company, she let him know he was welcome to visit anytime. “A friend of Ace’s is a friend of ours,” she said. “Seeing how close they’ve become has brought us so much joy.”

Today, Ace and his friend no longer have to sneak in time together—they are officially best buddies, and Norma is thrilled to see the special connection they’ve built.

Click ‘play’ below to witness the boy and cat’s interaction. It’ll surely warm your soul!