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Xanthe - independent mum ready to finally be herself

Xanthe arrived at Woodlands as a stray with her kittens in tow, having been found living in a shed with her young family. At 2 years 1 month old, she was barely more than a kitten herself when she became a mother, and she's proven herself to be an exceptionally protective and devoted mum - taking exemplary care of her babies despite the difficult circumstances of their early lives. She's been everything her kittens needed, channelling all her energy and focus into keeping them safe and well. Now, as her maternal duties are drawing to a close and her kittens prepare for their own homes, Xanthe is ready to discover who she is beyond motherhood.

What's important to understand about Xanthe is that she's an independent soul who knows what she likes and doesn't like - and that's perfectly wonderful. She's not thrilled with shelter life, and this isn't because there's anything wrong with her; it's because Xanthe simply needs space to be herself without the pressure of having to constantly please humans or conform to what others expect of her. She's been focused on her kittens for months, and now she's ready for a home where she can just exist on her own terms, without the constant interaction or demands that shelter life can bring.

She needs a family who understands and respects that she's an independent cat who'll thrive with space, security, and the freedom to do her own thing. She's suited to both indoor and outdoor living, depending on what her new family prefers, and she would do particularly well in a home where she's not expected to be constantly interactive or affectionate. What matters most to Xanthe is having her own space, feeling secure, and not being pressured to perform or please.

This lovely girl has already given so much - her protection, her devotion, her unwavering commitment to her kittens. Now it's time for Xanthe to receive something equally valuable: respect for who she is. She's asking for a home where she won't have to work to earn affection or approval, where her independent nature will be celebrated rather than seen as a flaw, and where she can finally just be Xanthe - secure, respected, and free. For someone who appreciates independent cats and understands that love doesn't always mean constant interaction, Xanthe will make a wonderful, low-pressure companion who simply wants to exist peacefully in a home that feels safe.

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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