Each cat has their own unique character, preferences and behaviour. This is why we ensure that our cats and potential owners are matched and vetted to ensure that the circumstances are right for both. Having already gone through trauma in their lives, we don't want to create further upheaval through cats going to an owner that can't accommodate them, and they end up being abandoned again or returned to us.

Sadly, in modern times where social media creates desirable trends, the rescue industry has seen the impact in cats being bought for their looks and breed desirability without fully understanding the cat's needs and behaviours, creating lifestyle conflicts that lead to abandonment.

Not all cats that we rescue bear physical scars of their lives as strays. Some, however, have significant psychological scars that need healing. Whilst these don't involve hefty vet bills, they do incur other costs. With a cat costing on average £8 per day in basic care costs, electricity, heating and nutrition, every day means extra costs. On average, a cat stays with us for 55-65 days before being rehomed, with the £95 adoption fee only covering a quarter of the average care costs. It is the generosity of our supporters that fills this funding gap.

Some rescues, however, take a lot more time to rehabilitate and match with the right home. Here are three rescues over the past 18 months—all of whom needed time to overcome the psychological scars of their past lives:

Skye and Molly:

After 673 and 379 days in our care, Skye and Molly have finally turned the page to the happiest chapter of their stories—finding their forever homes this February.

Skye came to us from a building site where workers discovered her taking shelter under a van, hiding from children who were cruelly throwing stones at her. Molly's journey began as a stray who managed to befriend a kind family. Though they couldn't welcome her indoors due to their four large dogs, they provided her with a shed and heater until we could offer her sanctuary.

The road to trust hasn't been easy for either cat. Both developed careful boundaries around humans—a necessary shield after their difficult starts. Their independent spirits sometimes deterred potential adopters looking for instantly affectionate companions.

Providing care for these two every day was worth it for this moment. Time spent with our volunteers and cat cuddlers, alongside your continued support, helps us give cats like Skye and Molly the time they need to heal before finding the perfect match, no matter how long it takes.

Margo:

Margo had a heartbreaking past. Rescued in July 2023 after living as a stray for most of her life, she was heavily pregnant, with sore eyes and bad teeth. Despite her initial fear of humans, she eventually adapted to her new life at Woodlands. Tragically, her litter of kittens, born underweight, did not survive, plunging Margo into deep grief.

Our team and volunteers spent many hours with Margo, comforting her through her depression, and gradually, she started to come out of herself more. However, she couldn't find her forever home and stayed with us for 330 days. Until May 2024, when she finally found a family who had fallen head over heels in love with her, and Margo finally has the happy life she deserves.

Shadow and Willow:

We currently have two cats who are looking for their own special companion. Shadow is a 10-year-old black stray who's waited 181 days - nobody knows if she’s ever had a home before Woodlands. Whilst Willow, a grey and white shorthair whose owner died, has been here for 273 days – five times longer than the average 54-day stay.

Both are independent cats whose past trauma means they'll happily live with humans, but on their own terms. 

The sanctuary is appealing for experienced cat owners this Christmas. People who understand that sometimes a cat wants to live on their own terms, and own schedule, and visit for head scratches when they fancy it. Nothing more. Other than a little bit of space in their lives and heart.