I’m a short-haired dark, slightly naughty tortie of just 10 years as I was born in September 2014. I came into the Ark because my owner went into residential care and left me behind and was fed by kind neighbours until I could be caught to come here. I’m overweight, not because I eat excessively, but because I didn’t get a lot of opportunity in my home to exercise, so lazing around was the norm for me, but I’m otherwise fit and well. I’ve been spayed but not vaccinated. I’m currently eating Sheba or Whiskas in jelly and any biscuits, but my tastes vary so adopters will be updated on my preferences.

I have a big personality with matching attitude and definitely don’t hesitate to let you know when I’m unhappy or need space. I can be vocal and will hiss and vocalise my grudges loudly; mainly I don’t like being restricted and since I’ve been given the option of freedom around the Ark cat garden I’ve mellowed a lot. I’m selective with people and possibly prefer women. I’m also selective with other cats as I’d had little experience of them till coming to the Ark. However, I did live with a Chihuahua and we slept together. I’m not suited to live with children. I’m currently living alongside other cats but very much keep myself to myself, vocalising and hitting out at the others if they wander into my space.

On arrival I was very angry and let everyone know everyday for weeks; after all, I had to be trapped in order to be brought to the Ark and I very much let the world know this made me angry but, slowly and surely, they won me  round and now I very much demand attention and like to be first to greet staff so I get the most loves. I’m a sun worshipper and will often roll on my back to sunbathe. I enjoy long afternoon naps but also like to stroll around the cat garden so need a safe garden in which to pass my time as I was a house cat and had never been outside, so my knowledge of traffic will be minimal. I’m litter-trained, so can safely be left in if needed. I need an experienced cat owner who can offer a relaxed home with no children or other pets, allowing me space and time to settle as, inevitably, a move will unsettle me initially, but winning me round will be so rewarding as I’m clearly a loyal, loving lady who just wants an easy life.

Gypsy is a different cat these days, or maybe she’s reverted to the cat she was with her former owner. She’s obviously approved of being allowed to free-roam the site during the daytime as her attitude has steadily mellowed ever since. She’s now found the office where staff congregate at lunchtime and now joins them daily and demands attention, not taking no for an answer. She loves to be on laps receiving fuss and likes to be picked up and cuddled. She’s obviously forgiven us for allowing her to be trapped and then kept in a pen! She’s not a jumper and only managers to jump to settee height. This may originate from when she was so overweight and couldn’t manage any more. We can’t guarantee she won’t regress to her feisty ways for a while on adoption but feel sure she’ll come round much quicker if so and will be a wonderful friendly companion for some lucky person. She really is a lovely girl and craves human company.