It is always heartwarming to hear how well the cats that have been in our care are doing in their new homes; for some, the transformation from sad waif to pampered puss is truly startling. Here are just a few of our success stories.
Mr Boots
Shorthaired tabby male neuter
Mr Boots was rehomed through our branch in September 2007. Recently we received this follow-up e-mail from his delighted family:
"Since Mr Boots arrived in our home some 12 months ago, he has become a big part of family life. As soon as the children arrive home, the first person they look for is Mr Boots. He always gets picked up and given a big hug, even if he doesn't want one!
"He brings us numerous presents, things that only a cat could bring, yes you guessed it, mice, rabbits, birds, rats and a wood pigeon but has started to understand that we really don't want them in our house!
"Mr Boots has become a special part of our life and we love having him around. Thank you for helping us find a truly perfect cat."
Nina & Dougal
Tortie-tabby and ginger brother & sister
Nina and Dougal came into care in August 2008 in very poor condition, both physically and mentally. They had been living in a garage for many weeks as their owner didn't want them anymore because they were pulling their fur out and making their skin sore. Many medications were tried with a little improvement to their physical condition, but mentally they were extremely traumatised. They were very timid when visited by prospective owners - and hence overlooked for more outgoing cats.
They were moved around to two other fosterers to give them a change of scene and started on an expensive course of monthly injections. There was still not much in the way of improvement, so they were sent to Jenny, one of our rural fosterers. After a month, she gave them access to the garden - and it seemed this was the trigger to them becoming more friendly and less stressed.
Nina and Dougal began to discover the delights of grass, birds, butterflies and a fish pond as well as indulging in the sport of tree-climbing. The garden kept them busy and they were so tired at the end of the day, they didn't have the time to pull out their fur!
Then along came Walter, a gentleman who was looking to give a forever home to a pair of hard-to-home cats - and the rest, as they say, is history. Nina and Dougal have settled in really well into their rural home and are thoroughly spoilt! Their days of fur-pulling are over - a happy ending for two lovely cats.
Pearl
Shorthaired blue female neuter
Pearl is a former feral who was found in a poor condition, living rough at 18 months of age with her two litters of kittens. She was rehomed in June 2005 and lives a life of feline luxury with her best friend Toby, another cat homed from Ely CP.
Pearl has also found success on the show bench, winning three shows and attaining the TICA title of Supreme Grand Master.