Ava - brave heart learning to trust, one gentle touch at a time
Ava's story is one of remarkable transformation in progress. This stunning 2-year-old blue British beauty came to Woodlands from a multi-cat household where she'd had very little human contact, arriving terrified and overwhelmed. She was one of seven cats rescued from the situation with help from another rescue, and she came to us knowing only fear when it came to people. But here's what makes Ava extraordinary - she's getting braver every single day.
When Ava first arrived, she hid constantly, her world too frightening to face. Now, she no longer hides. She's learned to accept gentle strokes on her head and face - touches that once would have sent her into panic now bring tentative acceptance. This progress might seem small to someone unfamiliar with truly fearful cats, but it represents a monumental shift in Ava's understanding of what humans can mean to her. She's discovering, slowly but surely, that kindness exists and that trust might actually be worth the risk.
Ava has given birth to one kitten, and this devoted pair will be rehomed together. She'll spend nine weeks caring for her baby before being spayed, and both will be ready for rehoming toward the end of April. By then, Ava will have had even more time to build confidence and understand that people can be safe. However, potential adopters need to understand that Ava will take time to trust new people - her progress with us won't automatically transfer to a new environment. She needs patient, experienced owners who understand fearful cats and won't be discouraged by setbacks. Adopting Ava with her kitten means she'll have the comfort of familiar companionship as she transitions to her new home.
Ava would thrive in a calm, quiet household without children, where she and her kitten can continue their journey at their own pace. She needs people who measure success in small victories - the first time she doesn't run away, the moment she accepts a treat from your hand, the day she seeks you out rather than waiting to be approached. For someone with genuine experience rehabilitating nervous cats and the patience to invest months in building trust, Ava and her kitten offer something profoundly meaningful - the chance to help both a fearful mother and her baby learn what safety truly means.
Our Rehoming Process
Application & Appointment
Step One
Step Two
Home Check
After this, we will arrange an appointment with you to pick up your new friend, as well as the required food and litter which is available to purchase at our on-site shop.
Rehoming
From the initial appointment to collection usually takes between 7-10 days. When you come to collect your new cat(s), you will just need to sign the relevant paperwork, as well as paying the donation fee via our website. Prior to release all cats will have the necessary vaccinations and medical treatments - all signed off by our vet.
Step Three
Rehoming Rules
- We will not rehome an adult cat into a home where there are existing adult cats.
- We won't home single kittens without another cat present. Rehoming a single kitten doesn't meet welfare standards as it will have no social interaction with other cats. This means that if you already have an adult you can have one kitten. If you don't have an adult cat, you can take an established adult cat or two kittens.
- We ensure that no cat or kitten is released to its new home until 48 hours after its vaccination.
- If there are other pets in the household i.e. dogs, we will normally recommend a kitten unless we have an adult cat who is used to living with dogs. Dogs are able to come to the Sanctuary to be introduced to the cat.
- All existing cats in any household must be neutered.
- All cats and kittens that leave Woodlands Animal Sanctuary must leave with the food and litter that they are currently using here, this can be purchased from our onsite shop.