Doris - young mum who deserves to be young herself
Doris's story breaks your heart before it even begins to mend. This tiny 1-year-6-month-old girl was found as a stray already caring for a six-month-old kitten - meaning she likely gave birth when she was barely a year old herself. Now separated from that older kitten she has been pregnant again and has given birth to five healthy kittens, facing another exhausting round of motherhood when she should still be playing and exploring like the young cat she is. Once she's raised this litter for nine weeks, she'll finally be spayed and able to begin the life she's been denied.
What's remarkable about Doris is that despite this exhausting cycle of pregnancy and motherhood at such a young age, she's maintained her gentle nature. She's comfortable with other cats, showing the sociability of a cat who wants connection and companionship. Once she's recovered from raising this litter and been spayed, she'll be ready to discover what it means to simply be a cat - to play without the weight of responsibility, to receive care instead of constantly giving it, to be young while she still is young.
Doris will be available for rehoming toward the end of April, once her kittens are weaned and she's been spayed. She's suited to indoor living or homes away from busy roads. This sweet girl needs a family who will let her finally just be Doris - not a mother, not a survivor, but a cherished young cat with her whole life still ahead of her.
Doris is not yet available for adoption as she raises her final litter, but we're accepting expressions of interest from families ready to welcome her once she's ready. After giving so much so young, Doris deserves a home where she'll receive endless patience, care, and the chance to finally be carefree. She's been a mother twice over before turning two - now it's time for someone to mother her.
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.