Case Summary
This case was referred to us by a social worker having spoken to a couple of national organisations for help and we were recommended to her by Cats Protection. Lucy had fled her home with her child due to domestic violence and needed urgent care for her two (entire) male cats, Oliver and Storm. When the cats arrived at their foster home, they were distressed, hiding away and not using the litter tray.
Intervention – Neutering/veterinary treatment/microchipping/vaccination/fostering/cattery boarding/financial assistance/transport
Within a week of receiving the call, Our Special Friends had arranged for the cats to be neutered, micro-chipped, treated for worms and fleas and a foster home had been found. One of our volunteers collected the cats and arranged for them to be transferred to the foster home in Cambridge. We were fortunate that our (volunteer) fosterer had literally just returned two cats to be reunited with their owner (on discharge from a mental hospital) and was in a position to take on Oliver and Storm. Pet friendly housing had been identified for Lucy so a specific foster period could be agreed.
Unfortunately, the housing was withdrawn due to the perpetrator finding out where she was and Lucy had to be transferred to a Mother and Baby Refuge for up to six months.
The foster care was only available for a limited time period, so it was decided for the welfare of the cats, that they should be looked after in a local cattery known to us.
In order for the cats to move to the cattery they had to be vaccinated (paid for by the RSPCA).
The cats stayed in the foster home for 2½ months and they were in the cattery for 4 months.
After the 6½ months away, the cats were reunited with Lucy and the same volunteer delivered them back to their new home.
Outcome
During the time Oliver and Storm were with our foster carer Jane, she spent an enormous amount of time to help acclimatise them to their new surroundings. They went from showing signs of distress and not using the litter tray, to being calm, playful, relaxed and settled. The evidence of this was recorded by Jane with regular photographs which she shared with Lucy so that she could be reassured by their progress. By the time the cats were sent to the cattery they were much calmer and settled in well. Lucy and her child were thrilled to be reunited and that they did not lose touch with them permanently.
Testimonial:
“When they had both settled, they were a pleasure to have around, affectionate and beautiful cats in the prime of life. It’s not just the foster cats who benefit from the fostering arrangements.” Jane Skinner (Foster Carer)
