An Isle of Wight cat, who was saved from being put to sleep, is looking for a new home following the death of the owner who rescued her.
Black-and-white Minnie-Moo first arrived in care as a kitten and was adopted at six months old.
However, by the time she turned seven (in 2013) her owners felt they could no longer care for her and despite being healthy, took her to the vet to be euthanised.
Luckily the vet contacted Cats Protection’s Isle of Wight Adoption Centre instead.
Minnie-Moo was stressed and traumatised when she arrived at the centre. Staff and volunteers quickly realised that the unfamiliar environment was too much for her and she was entrusted to experienced fosterer, Fran, who gave Minnie-Moo the time and space she needed to feel safe once more.
Jo Morrison, Deputy Manager at the centre, explains:
“Fran didn’t push for Minnie-Moo’s behaviour to change, she let her settle and become familiar with her new surroundings. Little by little Minnie-Moo learned to trust Fran. We all knew that she would never be a cuddly cat but there was something about this little misunderstood moggie that really pulled at your heartstrings. Fran gained Minnie-Moo’s trust and after time, Fran was able to stroke her and Minnie-Moo became happier.
“Of course, Minnie-Moo needed a permanent home and luckily a lady called Sheila proved the perfect match. Sheila lived alone and provided the quiet environment and unwavering support and love that helped Minnie-Moo enjoy life and settle at last.”
Sheila shared the story of her life with Minnie-Moo in the centre’s 2018 newsletter and said:
“Patience is the word with Minnie Moo! She has gradually morphed from living under the bed to having the confidence to sleep out in the open on a fluffy rug by the settee and loves to come to me when I am in bed and lets me stroke her.
“She loves going out and may disappear from dawn to dusk, punctuated with sneaky trips back for a snack. She always wants to come on my lap when I am having a meal on a tray in front of the TV. Although we have had our challenges, I’ve never given up on Minnie Moo. She is now a loving and much-loved cat. I wouldn’t change her for the world."
Sadly, Sheila passed away in May and there was nobody left to care for Minnie-Moo long-term. The centre took her in again but the shock of her beloved owner’s death and change of circumstances took its toll on Minnie-Moo, who is now 16 years old and a senior.
Once again centre life was a challenge for Minnie-Moo, who would hide away in her outside run, even on colder days, only coming in at night to eat her food. Staff and volunteers would sit quietly outside with her and talk or read to her but even a gentle unknown presence was too much.
Jo adds:
“Minnie-Moo is back in foster care now which suits her much better. She is still hiding in the day but has begun to be a little more sociable in the evenings. She is getting used to new smells, sounds and her new foster mum and dad; but what Minnie-Moo needs is one special person who will look past her scared ways and create a quiet, loving home for her.
It will take time, patience and a gentle, kind approach but we are sure Minnie-Moo will be able to enjoy life again, as she did with Sheila. We are here to offer support and guidance and want nothing more than to see her happy and relaxed once more.”
To offer Minnie-Moo a home or for further information about the work of Cats Protection’s Isle of Wight Adoption Centre visit www.cats.org.uk/isleofwight or call 03000 120 251.
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