Heidi was one of four young adults and three kittens brought into our care in October from a very difficult rural situation. This young colony of cats very likely started with one female being abandoned either already pregnant or left to get that way as it was obvious they were all from the same gene pool. At first, Heidi came across as the shyest one, hiding away behind those who quite quickly became not only trusting but bold, but it was just a big lie! All of the others now gone on to their new homes, Heidi is in her element and really enjoying being fussed and just loving all the attention. She comes to meet me as I enter the shelters, wrapping herself around my legs, having had her own door opened so she can enjoy the company of the other residents. She's really enjoying that extra freedom and the others being the type of folk they are have welcomed her into their little gang. Heidi really is the sweetest natured wee girl who is taking full advantage of this opportunity to shine and show her lovely, gentle, personality.
Of course, in a completely new and confusing situation Heidi may well want to find a 'safe' place until she realises that her new family are no threat, but rather a source of fun. Cats in rescue don’t know they’re being fostered, after all, so moving on yet again must be just so confusing and upsetting for many. A bit of patience and understanding is all it takes whereas forcing interaction is ALWAYS wrong and only makes a shy, confused, animal feel even less secure. We provide a list of tried and tested tips on how to help a cat feeling worried settle into his or her new environment prior to the cat being homed. Heidi gets on just fine with other cats so could well be homed where there is already an established cat, assuming that cat is a laid-back soul who wouldn't give her a hard time – or at least not for too long! Having witnessed Heidi's attitude to an excited but gentle two-year-old who had come with his family to meet kitten Larry, and who insisted on petting her, I feel certain she could be homed with kindly children.
When Heidi was taken to the vet with the others for an initial check-up, it was discovered that one of her incisor teeth had been broken clean through horizontally. There were no injuries to her face, so I can only guess as to how that tooth had been broken and I think we can probably rule out impact from something as large as a car. Although living in a rural location, the cats had been seen in the grounds of a nearby factory and it was made clear to me when I was searching for them that there was little sympathy for them there, so maybe that unwelcoming situation provides the answer as to how her tooth was broken. It doesn’t matter now: the cats are gone from there, six of the seven are already in great homes, Heidi’s had what was left of that tooth removed when she was having her spaying op, and the past is well behind them.
As well as her spaying op Heidi has been fully vaccinated and microchipped so all that’s left now is to find her her own perfect home. One with a garden to explore when she’s well settled would suit Heidi very well.
N.B. At the time of writing this the U.K. is still in lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic making it impossible for home visits or for people to meet the cats in their foster situations. However, we can still speak on the phone to anyone expressing an interest in a particular cat and arrange to meet up later when the situation has eased.