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Smudge & Chisel - devoted companions navigating grief together

Smudge and Chisel have arrived at Woodlands through the saddest of circumstances - their beloved owner has passed away, and with no one available to care for them, these bonded companions found themselves facing loss and upheaval all at once. Thought to be around 5-6 years old, calico semi-longhaired Smudge and black shorthaired Chisel have only ever known life together, and they're clinging to each other now more than ever as they navigate this frightening new reality. They arrived very scared, their world turned upside down by the loss of the person who meant everything to them.

What makes this pair particularly touching is how their bond provides them with comfort during such a difficult time. While both are understandably frightened - Chisel showing his fear despite being friendly at heart, and Smudge overwhelmed by the dramatic changes - they have each other for reassurance and security. In the absence of their owner, they've become each other's anchor, providing the familiar presence that makes an unfamiliar world slightly less terrifying. Separating them now would mean taking away the one constant they have left.

With no history known about Smudge and Chisel's previous life, we can only imagine the home they've lost and the routines that have been shattered. What we do know is that they need a patient, gentle household suited to indoor living where they can grieve, heal, and slowly learn to trust again. They need owners experienced enough to understand that cats process loss too, and that their current fear is wrapped up in grief as much as uncertainty. Given time, consistency, and the security of staying together, their true personalities will gradually emerge from beneath the trauma.

Smudge and Chisel are asking for something profoundly important - a home where they can remain together, where their bond will be respected and protected, and where patient humans will give them all the time they need to recover from losing everything. They've already lost their person; they shouldn't have to lose each other too. For a family with the patience, experience, and heart to help two grieving companions heal while keeping their precious bond intact, Smudge and Chisel are waiting to discover that love and security can exist again.

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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