Jessie’s Journey

We are often troubled by the rate at which our countryside and green spaces are slowly but surely being eliminated, never more so than in November last year when we had the most urgent rescue request involving a feral cat and her two beautiful kittens.

Mum, now affectionately known as Jessie, had been living in woodlands adjacent to an industrial estate for at least three years. She had been captured on CCTV many times over the years, always appearing healthy but always disappearing during the day... until the workmen moved in and destroyed her safe space.

Jessie sought safety in a nearby factory unit, and incredibly brought along her two kittens, who were estimated to be six months old. Staff at the unit kept a close eye on them, and within two weeks we successfully trapped all three and brought them in to rescue.

At first, Jessie and her babies were terrified and would lash out at any sign of humans, they refused food and water for days because they were so stressed. Blood was shed, walls were climbed and tears were cried, but not once did I consider giving up. Finally, after six long months of intensive rehabilitation, Jessie is still nervous and will sometimes hiss and hide, but she allows contact on her own terms. We couldn’t be more thrilled with her incredible progress.

April saw her leave foster care to start her brand-new life with owners who understand her need for personal space. She has her own indoor area to live in whilst sharing love and warmth with her new family. Once she is more confident and settled, she will also have two and a half acres of private, secure land to explore.

Meanwhile, Jessie’s babies, Sophie and Nancy are now twelve months old and remain in foster care until they are confident and trusting enough to move on to their own happy ever after, which I imagine will be very soon.

A very happy ending for a beautiful family.

CAT77 Nuneaton & Hinckley