Rio was handed over into our care after having been living as a stray on the streets for some time. He did have an 'owner' but had long since been left to his own devices. Life had clearly been difficult for this poor boy, made better by the kindness of someone who put food out for him on a regular basis. However, Rio had more than hunger and finding shelter to worry about: he came to us with a neglected injury on his neck that had become so infected that the vet who performed the operation to deal with it told me that the smell from the oozing pus was so bad she had almost been physically sick. Despite it all, the vet and nurse dealing with Rio told me he had behaved so well and was just such a loving cat. However, Rio absolutely hated being confined to one of our pens and refused to let me even touch him for quite a while. Further check-ups at the vet (once I tricked him into a carrier!) confirmed how sweet and cooperative he actually is, but my goodness did he blame me for his being locked in our pens even if he does rather like the heating and constant maid service! Well, I'm very glad to say that Rio got over his big huff and is now enjoying being fussed and groomed. His pen has been opened so that he has more space to play around, making him a much happier boy. The wound on his neck is completely healed, of course, with one small bare spot where the fur can never grow again. Rio can't see that spot so his belief in himself as a very handsome boy indeed is quite unaffected! Rio is a healthy boy and is now vaccinated, neutered and microchipped so is ready to go on to a home where he will get the love and attention he deserves. A home with older children should be okay, and although he gets on fine with the other cats in our shelters, I do think he would just love to have that special home where he would be the one getting all the attention. Access to a safe outdoor area would be a must as being confined is obviously not on Rio's Wish List.
N.B. At the moment the U.K.is still in lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, making it impossible for home visits or for anyone to meet the cats in their foster homes. However, we can still speak on the phone to anyone expressing an interest in a particular cat and meet up once the current situation eases.