If you've already read the profiles for Domino, Smudge and Phantom, you'll know a little of Pearl's story already. She was one of two cats, the other being Shelley, who is listed separately, put out to fend for themselves in the middle of what has been a bitterly cold winter when their unworthy 'owner' got fed up with them. These poor girls are thought to be around four years old so will have had several litters, with this time those litters having either been born outside or put out with their mothers. The fate of earlier litters is unknown. I heard about the wee mothers and their babies when I was contacted by a woman who knew of someone, an elderly lady, who was putting food out for Shelley and her three older kittens and was desperate to find help for them. Shelley was luckier than Pearl as she may have already established her right to that kindness before Pearl got a look in. Sometimes people don't realise just how much food a pregnant or lactating cat needs, or how much growing kittens need, so even Shelley was struggling despite the kindness being shown by that lovely older lady. Although Pearl didn't visit that garden, she was the first of the two adults I caught in a trap, although it turned out I could probably have just lifted her as she really is such a sweet and gentle soul who now lavishes the love and affection she's surrounded by in her foster home. I'd found her four tiny kittens, Domino, Smudge, Phantom and Amelie, earlier in the day so was really glad to have their mother once they were safe. Being the first of the adults to be caught and with a name, Amelie, already in waiting for a wee girl, I named Pearl after the lovely lady who had saved Shelley and her kittens from starvation. The lady's response to that was a modest "Aye if you like..." but I could tell she was really chuffed. Pearl's foster mum, Jessica, says head butts and big purry noises are the order of the day and that all Pearl wants from life is to replenish all the adoration she's showered on her babies - she's been a great wee mum, but it's her turn now to find out what it's like to have that wonderful Forever home where she will be cherished and never know abandonment or hunger or desperation again. Pearl has had her spaying op now as well as her first set of vaccinations and been microchipped so will be ready for adoption after her vaccination course is completed on March 18th. A home with gentle, older, children should be just fine but maybe one where she can be the only cat being showered with affection would be wonderful and a nice safe area away from busy roads would make it all just perfect.