Adopting a "Sensitive" Cat - Melly's Story

Lots of people ask us about adoption, what it entails, how can they prepare, what do they need to buy, what can they expect?

There are lots of things you can do to prepare for the adoption of a cat and we can offer lots of advice on this subject, but I really think the most important thing you need to have is alopt of love to give, and patience.

Many rescue cats are nervous when moving into a new home, sometimes they have been through terrible traumas, and other times they have just been reliquished into our care with no major trauma.  Some cats are very shy and/or nervous, others are super confident but either way, re-homing is a stressful time for any cat.

I adopted my 7 year old boy, Melly, in January 2013 and has fast become my BFF!  We live alone and he is the centre of attention at all times, much to the annoyance of most of my visitors.

Melly just chillin on the bed

Melly was taken into the care of Cats Protection after his owner passed away and understandably, he found the whole process very stressful.  He went straight to a foster home where he was showered with love and attention but he started to overgroom due to the stress.  When I first went to visit him, his little bum was as bald as can be and his tail only had a little bit of fur on the end.  Picture a baldy butt and a pom pom tail!

Needless to say, I fell completely head over heels in love with him, bald bits and all.  I gave myself 24 hours to think everything through, but the decision was made, Melly was coming home with me.

The first 2 days were pretty stressful for both of us, Melly was very shy and nervous and I had never adopted an adult cat before.  Based on advice from Cats Protection, I gave him space and on day 3, he started to follow me around, and came when I called him.  He even came on my bed to sleep that night (under the duvet I might add) .... and he has spent nearly every night there ever since.

He is an adorable boy, he is very affectionate, although not opposed to telling me off with a nip if I annoy him!  

He still has his problems and over-grooms if he is feeling a bit stressed but we have a wonderful vet who we work with to keep it under control.


Since adopting Melly, I have gone on to join as a volunteer with Cats Protection Camberley & District as Publicity Officer, and I am loving every minute of it.

I can honestly recommend adopting an older, "sensitive" cat as he makes me smile and laugh every day and, without wanting to sound too soft, he has completed my life in a way I didn't think possible.

Melly - Super Cat

For more information on bringing home your rescue cat, check out our advice guide

Look at his grogeous little grumpy face!!!

The 3 P's

We were recently called to rescue 3 kittens who were found at the Eversley Haulage site on a lorry.  In fact they were not in the cab of the lorry but on what's know as a "roll on, roll off" part of the truck that connects the cabin to the actual truck bit (not very technical description, I know).

We were told that 3 kittens had been spotted, but the driver could only find 2, and the mum was nowhere to be seen.  One of the kittens, (we named Penny), was hissing and spitting and not very happy at all, the other kitten, (we named Tuppence) was very quiet and, unsurprisingly, very scared.

Still no sign of kitten number 3, or mum but then, the next day, we get a call to say that a 3rd kitten had been found.  She had somehow managed to hide on the truck, and had been on a trip along the M25 - it is a miracle that she survived.

So we brought her in, and called her Thrupence (of course!).

The 3 P's, were obviously very scared and upset due to the ordeal they had been through but they have now settled and are happy, purry little fluff balls.

All 3 of the kittens have been reserved and are currently in foster care until they are old enought to be moved on to their furever homes.

These kinds of stories never fail to shock or distress us.... we just wish people would contact us, or another rescue if they can't cope with kittens.... we are here to help!

Just before I sign off, from my very first blog, I would just like to mention a current appeal....we are looking for volunteer cat fosterers, who could take car of a cat awaiting a forever home.  All you need is a spare room that the cat could live in and we will give you all the training, advice and support you need.  Contact us via our Facebook page for more information