Bobby is a shy but good-natured boy who has already spent three months in foster care after being repeatedly overlooked in favour of cats with more obvious charms. But volunteers at Cats Protection East Surrey, Caterham & Redhill are determined they won’t be beaten in their efforts to find a permanent home for this laid-back cat.
Bobby, aged three, lived on a busy mobile home park with little outside space for the young cat to play. But three months ago, after seeing her much-loved pet return home from one-too-many unprovoked run-ins with a rambunctious neighbourhood stray, his distraught owner felt that Bobby would be better off living in a safer, quieter environment and signed him over to Cats Protection.
“It isn’t ever easy to take the difficult decision to relinquish a cherished pet but sometimes love means knowing what is best for your cat, doing what works for them,’ said branch coordinator Jacky Eyres.
“When Bobby came to us he was shy and found things a little scary, but with patience and love from his foster family, he has become much more trusting. Now he sometimes curls up beside them on the sofa in the evenings and he’s claimed his new favourite sleeping spot on a window seat where he can watch the world outside.
“When he’s not napping, he follows his carers around the house and sits with them while they are working. He’s even learned to avoid stepping on their laptops, although he hasn’t given up on their desk chairs, which are a favourite place to snooze.”
He’s also very polite. He will wait patiently while his food is being prepared and loves being brushed and will play with his toys, especially his preferred catnip mouse.
But while other cats in the charity’s care have been warmly rehomed, this affectionate boy with a big purr has been overlooked by people who fail to see the abundant charms beyond his cautious front.
Jacky said: “Bobby is a sweet low-maintenance boy with so much love to share. It’s sad to see his charms being overlooked. I know there’s someone out there who is an ideal match for him. I just hope they come forward soon.”
Bobby’s carers believe he yearns to venture outdoors again so they are appealing for a loving adult-only home with a patient owner and a quiet garden in Surrey, Sussex or Kent. He could probably live with one other cat, if they are as easy going as Bobby.
Bobby has been neutered, his vaccinations are up to date and he is microchipped in line with the law. To enquire about any of the local cats visit www.cats.org.uk/caterham, call 0345 371 2739 or email enquiries@eastsurrey.cats.org.uk.