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Leicester - loyal heart left behind, ready to trust again

Leicester's story is one that's difficult to comprehend - this beautiful 4-year-old ginger boy was simply left behind when his owner moved away, abandoned as if he meant nothing at all. Yet despite this profound betrayal, Leicester has shown the remarkable resilience that cats so often possess. A compassionate neighbour stepped in to feed him, and now he's found his way to Woodlands where he can finally find the forever home he should have had all along.

What makes Leicester's situation particularly poignant is that he clearly knew domestic life and loved it. This isn't a feral cat learning to trust humans for the first time - this is a boy who understood what home meant, who had routines and familiarity, and who then had it all stripped away through no fault of his own. The fact that he accepted help from the neighbour feeding him shows that his faith in people, while surely shaken, hasn't been completely broken.

Leicester is suited to both indoor living and outdoor access in areas away from busy roads. Having experienced the vulnerability of life outside, he would likely appreciate the security of a home where he knows he's truly wanted and won't be left behind again. He needs owners who understand that loyalty should work both ways - that when you commit to a cat, you commit for life, through moves and changes and whatever circumstances arise.

This handsome ginger boy deserves a family who will see him for the treasure he is, who will make him promises and actually keep them. Leicester has already proven his capacity for trust despite having every reason not to. Now he just needs people worthy of that trust - people who will never, ever leave him behind.

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Our Rehoming Process

At Woodlands Animal Sanctuary we understand the importance of placing our animals in the right forever home. That’s why we ensure that all applicants go through the same three-stage process. This helps us to ensure not only the animals safety, but that you and your new friend are the perfect match.

Application & Appointment

Our rehoming process starts with you booking an appointment to view our rehoming cattery, alongside an application form which helps us to best understand which cats will suit your needs and lifestyle. On your visit we will introduce you to selected cats, and discuss your requirements and the available cats’ characteristics in more detail. The appointment should take between 30-45 minutes and will give you the chance to get up close and know your future furry friend(s) just to make sure there is a perfect match between you and the chosen cat!

Step One

Step Two

Home Check

Once you’ve been matched with your cat(s) and your application has been approved on-site, your details and application will be passed onto one of our home checkers for final vetting, who will contact you and arrange a home visit or perform some additional checks over the phone.
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.
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Registered Charity: 1190858