Once upon a time there were two little cats who lived in Norfolk. One, a female was a town cat and the other a male, was a feral country cat. Both the cats had a difficult early life and they had both been rescued by Cat Protection. The foster parents at Cat Protection put a lot of effort into gaining their confidence. At last they felt they were ready and the search began for their 'forever families’. Both cats wanted to be loved but they didn't know if they could trust a human again.

By coincidence a family was looking for their 'forever cats'. The lady of the house wasn't looking for a particular breed or colour of cat, but was looking for a particular look on the cats face. She couldn't put it into words, but knew when she saw 'the look' she would recognise it, and that would be the cat for her. As the family lived on a road she was looking for indoor cats. At the first visit to Cat Protection the female cat made a big impression with her teeth and claws on her new mistress, and the cat was particularly impressed that the lady seemed totally unworried by her physical introduction. As the lady left, the cat gave her 'the silent miaow' treatment, and they both felt confident that they would both be fine together. The cat went home, pleased in one way for a new chance at life, but sad that her seven kittens had gone to other homes. She had wished them all well, and said to grow up into good cats and make her a proud mother. She was rather thrilled with her new name 'Yasmine'. It then took two and a half years of love and patience for the mistress to gain her full trust and confidence. No matter what the cat did the mistress loved her all the more. Yasmine was very good with the children at the new house, and they were good with her. Yasmine's favourite place to sleep is in front of the 'Aga' in the kitchen. When Yasmine had finally settled the mistress announced that she would be getting her a companion- Yasmine didn't know what a companion was, but hoped as the mistress had been so good with her, it must be something special.And it was.

A male feral cat had been taken to a foster home with his two sisters. Being feral he wasn't used to human contact. His special foster mother Pauline started his taming, initially using pheasant feathers. His sisters were adopted together and he was left behind. He was a bit lonely without them. It was going to take a special family to meet his needs. Kenny put an advert on the web site. Yasmine's mistress had been looking for a few months to find the perfect companion for Yasmine. She phoned up and spoke to Stephanie at North Walsham, and an appointment was made to view the nervous feral. The mistress made several trips to the foster home, where she spent time with him, getting to know him. She brought him a present- a lovely new blanket for him to sleep on. This would go with him to his new home. Preparations were made at the new home for his home coming. The mistress chose a new name for him 'Jasper', which made him feel special. His mistress knew he would need lots of time and his own space with lots of places to hide until he became confident to come out. After a few days he started coming out to explore his new world. Yasmine had brief visits to see him in the kitchen, and over time they had more time together. After seven weeks they were together all the time, and Yasmine loves having a companion, and Jasper doesn’t feel lonely any more.

Yasmine and Jasper play beautifully together. They are both thriving, they share food, toys, the litter tray and they sleep together, with their mistress of course! Yasmine and Jasper are grateful to the Cat Protection for finding them their 'forever family’, and the mistress and her family are just as thrilled that they have found 'their forever cats’. Thank you Cat Protection.

© Julie Keeling 2007