Tabella - spirited soul seeking someone who speaks her language
Tabella's story is one of profound loyalty interrupted by heartbreak. This beautiful 10-year-old tabby tortoiseshell has lived with the same person since she was just 16 weeks old - nearly her entire life spent with one devoted owner who understood and appreciated her unique personality. Now, through her owner's ill health, Tabella finds herself facing an uncertain future after a decade of stability, and she's struggling to make sense of a world without the one person who truly knew her.
What makes Tabella so special - and admittedly challenging - is her uncompromising honesty about what she wants and doesn't want. She's what we affectionately call "spicy" - a cat with strong opinions, clear boundaries, and absolutely no patience for things that don't suit her. She gets overstimulated quickly and will bite when she's had enough, making her completely unsuitable for homes with children or anyone expecting a traditional lap cat experience. She doesn't get on with other cats or dogs, needing to be the sole focus in a pet-free household. But here's what matters: her previous owner loved her deeply, and Tabella loved them back with fierce devotion.
What Tabella needs is extraordinarily specific, but for the right person, she offers something rare and wonderful. She's reported to love play, bringing energy and engagement when things are on her terms. She adores outdoor access and needs the freedom to explore and express her independent nature. Most importantly, she needs a single person who understands that love with cats like Tabella isn't about cuddles and constant affection - it's about respect, boundaries, and the profound satisfaction of being chosen by a cat who doesn't choose easily.
Tabella would thrive in a quiet home away from busy roads with an experienced owner who appreciates feline complexity. She needs someone who won't take her boundaries personally, who understands that a bite is communication not malice, and who can read her signals well enough to engage when she's receptive and give space when she's not. For someone seeking a challenging but deeply rewarding relationship with an intelligent, spirited cat who's already proven her capacity for decade-long devotion, Tabella is waiting for that one special person who will speak her language.
Tabella is not for everyone - but for the right person, she's everything.
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.