During the course of the last few weeks, since having to rehome our kittens, and then subsequently saying goodbye to our cherished RoxyCat, I believe it is safe to say there has most definitely been a feline shaped hole in both our hearts. As much as we knew Roxy was irreplaceable, we were desperately missing having a cat in our lives and home. Essentially we’d gone from three cats to none in a matter of weeks, and it was tangible.

One evening Martin was in his office, at his computer, I was in the lounge staring at my phone and both unknown to the other we were scrutinising cat rescue centres, searching for a cat who might suit what we could offer. We are unable to offer an outdoor space, being next to a main road. We live in a flat. However we do have a sizeable enclosed catio, no other pets, no young children, rarely have visitors and we’re home most of the time (ie. we’re not working). We have a lot of time, love and fusses to give.

At one point, we were both looking at the same cat, and decided potentially she might be suitable for us. I am delighted to say that said cat, a beautiful tabby and white adult female is currently snuggled against my leg as I lay on the sofa.

We emailed the lady at the rescue who invited us to come and meet our girl. She had been there seven months already and because she is not a fan of other cats she had been housed in an enclosure in a shed no bigger than our catio by herself. We instantly fell in love with her, and were moved by her appalling history of neglect, hunger, flea infestation and ultimately being unwanted. As we were away over the weekend we arranged to collect her today.

It was, to be honest, with some trepidation we went to pick her up. Winchester is a small town, with a small town mentality. Everyone knows everyone. I had mentioned to a close friend that we were adopting a rescue kitty and immediately I learned exactly who the cat had belonged to previously. And I was told that she didn’t like to be handled. I suspected we would have our work cut out for us over the next weeks and months as she adapted to her new home and humans.

So we collected her this afternoon, paperwork completed, she merowled at us all the way to the vet, where we’d booked a check up for her, and signing her up for a pet plan. We also got her microchipped. She was less vocal coming home and I have to say, she is bossing this settling in lark.

She’s taken everything in her stride. And aside from food, all she wants is love. Wherever Martin and I are, she’s right up close and personal with one or other of us. As the evening has gone on she’s become braver, exploring the hallway, the bedroom, the office. What I really didn’t expect was a cuddly, love-bug of a lap cat, but it seems that’s what we’re blessed with, and I have to say, my eyes may have been leaking a little. I’ve never had a cat so affectionate. She’s an absolute darling girl.

This sweetie has already begun the work of healing our hearts. And I trust in time we will be able to reciprocate. May she never again be afraid for her safety or be afeared that food may not appear. She has so much love to give. As we do.

*Cat’s name and picture omitted purposely.