One of several cats brought from a negligent situation back in April, Frankie would hide in a pile of pals behind all the beds provided, not having been used to much in the way of human kindness. It took a few weeks of just being patient, forcing nothing, and just talking to Frankie and the others in a reassuring and non-threatening way for all of them to gradually untwist themselves from the pile in the corner and actually show themselves whenever I went into their shelter. Although I got the occasional 'no, don't touch me!' harmless hiss from Timmy (see his post) none of the others even went that far and Frankie soon began to show me who he really is, and who he is is wonderful.Three of the cats brought from the same place were pregnant, two of them going on to other foster homes while the third, Madelaine, stayed here with the young adults brought from the same place. Once Madelaine's kittens were born every single one of the adults showed them nothing but kindness (with one girl, Moira, becoming absolutely besotted) and would help Madelaine out by making sure the kittens stayed safe whenever she moved away from them. Now that the kittens are really lively (aka totally mad) Frankie, like all the others to be fair, just adores them. The kittens often cuddle in beside whoever looks like he or she might have the best bed of the day, snuggling in for a cuddle or being absolute pests by scrambling or playfighting over them as they try to have a well-earned nap. Not once have I witnessed anything but love and tolerance showered on the kittens from even one of the adults. Now, Frankie is the boy who tends to find himself in whatever 'best bed' happens to be on offer to nap or practice his yoga poses (see photo) and so finds himself being used as a trampoline when the kittens get into their stride. He just lets it all happen, often joining in with the game. All of these cats and kittens are so bonded that it would be really nice if at least some could go together, an adult possibly with a kitten, but they can be homed separately to the right homes. Of course they will be shy again to start with, but not like they were when they first came into care frightened, malnourished and confused. It's so important that anyone offering any cat likely to be shy for a time totally understands why this should be and gives the cat the time and patience he or she needs to settle. Frankie could certainly be homed with older children who wouldn't force themselves on him and with another, accepting, cat. A cat-friendly dog could be okay too as Frankie and his pals are used to seeing our two dogs wandering in the garden around their shelter. A home that would allow him access to the outdoors away from busy roads once he was fully settled would be just perfect. Frankie has been neutered, fully vaccinated and microchipped and is ready to go on to his Forever home once the right people come along to adopt him.