A call has gone out for a Norfolk family with patience and plenty of outdoor space to give a home to a free-spirited young ‘inbetweener’ cat looking for an alternative lifestyle.

Cats Protection Central Norfolk Cat Centre is hoping two-year-old Buddy will find a safe home with the chance to enjoy the outdoor life, after a tough time when he has found it hard to settle.

At just eight months old, Buddy was rescued along with other cats and kittens from a multi cat household in Witham. He was soon homed with his two sisters in a home where his favourite toy was a teddy and he would even curl up on a lap when the mood took him.

But after nearly two years, he became more stressed, hissing at his sisters and lashing out. When he showed issues using his litter tray, the family, who were preparing to move house with their young children, decided there wasn’t place for Buddy in their new home.

So Buddy was relinquished back to the Dereham centre, where his care team is appealing for a very special home for this lively young cat.

Inbetweener cats thrive in outdoor spaces where they have shelter and food but minimal interaction with people. They are comfortable living alongside people and will form a bond of trust but can shy away from being touched. Some venture indoors, but only on their own terms and in their own time.

Lynzi Sizeland, Rehoming and Welfare Assistant, said: “We are looking for somewhere with an outbuilding, barn or shed and outdoor space so Buddy can play, explore and let off steam. He's inquisitive and has so much energy, so will thrive in a home with plenty of enrichment and stimulation to keep his busy mind occupied when he finds it tough being indoors. He does like the occasional fuss and he’ll let you know when he’s ready for it.

“Buddy isn’t your usual lap cat, but he should still make a good companion in a calm household with outdoor space where he can enjoy life on his own terms.”

Elle Hatam, Cats Protection Regional Behaviourist, has plenty of advice for cats like Buddy, looking for alternative lifestyles. “A daily routine, appropriate outlets for energy, and predictable handling will all help a cat thrive as an outdoor cat,’ she said.  “It’s important to provide a safe, dry shelter, such as a shed, barn, or outbuilding, alongside a consistent feeding routine, as this will help them to feel secure and settled.

“Whilst being an outdoor cat provides them with plenty of natural enrichment; some cats might enjoy short play sessions using a wand-style toy a couple of times a day. You could tap into the cat’s natural behaviour of hunt – eat – sleep by providing them with one of their meals after these sessions. This is a great way to build positive associations with their new owner without the need for close physical interactions.”

“Many confident, energetic cats benefit from having control over their interactions. So, we would always recommend allowing the cat to approach you first and then offer your hand. If the cat responds with a head rub or bunt, you may briefly stroke them before pausing and offering your hand again. If the cat does not re-engage, this should be respected and is likely to mean the cat might want to be close but not touched.”

 Find out more about Buddy and the other cats looking for homes, visit Cats Protection Central Norfolk Cat Centre or contact enquiries@dereham.cats.org.uk /  01362 687919. 

Contact Cats Protection Media Office

media.office@cats.org.uk / 01825 741 911