Bert came to Woodlands as a stray who had been living in a garden shed, surviving on the kindness of a homeowner who fed him but couldn't offer him a permanent place. This 4-year-old black and white boy arrived at the sanctuary understandably scared - yet another upheaval in what has clearly been an unstable existence. But here's what matters most about Bert: beneath that fear is a genuinely friendly cat who wants connection, who seeks out human company, and who simply needs time to understand that this change is leading somewhere good.

What makes Bert's situation so touching is that his friendliness has survived despite everything. He could have become wary and withdrawn after living in a shed, after losing whatever home he had before, after facing uncertainty day after day. Instead, he's maintained his fundamental trust in people, even if that trust is currently wrapped in understandable fear. His willingness to be friendly despite being scared speaks to a resilient, gentle character that's simply waiting for the right circumstances to fully shine.

Bert needs a calm, patient home where he can finally decompress and learn what security feels like. He would thrive in a quiet environment suited to indoor living or away from busy roads, with owners who understand that his initial fear doesn't define who he truly is. He needs people experienced enough to give him the space and time to settle, who won't be discouraged by those early nervous days, and who can see the friendly, affectionate companion he'll become once he realizes he's finally, truly safe.

This lovely boy has spent too long making do with whatever shelter came his way, accepting kindness where he could find it but never knowing if it would last. Bert deserves a family who will give him what he's been seeking all along - permanence, predictability, and a home where his friendly nature will always be met with warmth rather than another move, another change, another reason to be afraid.