When photographer Akiko DuPoint noticed that her 94-year-old grandfather wasn't acting like his usual energetic self. He had fallen ill in 2009 and ever since he had become a bit grumpy and annoyed with his life.

This change in demeanor prompted DuPoint to adopt a kitten for her grandfather and ever since his life has "turned upside down".

He named the orange kitten Kinako and DuPoint has managed to take some stunning photographs of the relationship between the cat and her grandfather. You can see in his eyes just how much he loves this cat and that the bond they share is really something special.

"An extraordinary friendship gradually grew between the two," DuPoint said, "Who would have thought that a timid kitten would befriend a grumpy old man!? The border between human and animal melts, just as shy Kinako melted Jiji's heart."

The photos are proof that they really do have a special friendship. See for yourself!

Have you ever experienced a connection like this?