Almost One Year Ago
On Christmas Day 2021, I enjoyed opening presents, munching on chicken, and snuggling with my mummy and hoonan. I was living my best life, but it wasn't always like this. Let me tell you my story.
My Feral Mummy
My mummy cat was a feral cat, which meant she lived outside and didn't like humans. I was born in the summer and we lived without a proper home. I don't remember how many brothers or sisters I had, but my mummy cat did her best to look after me. We survived by living under a shed until a kind man found us and called for help.
I was content under the shed, but my mummy cat said she wanted a better life for me and promised that I would be looked after. I was terrified because I had never been near people before. They took me to the vet, who examined me thoroughly and checked my fur. He was very gentle and said that, despite my tiny and scared appearance, I was in good health. But I longed to return to my old life with my mummy cat under the shed. I thought that might happen when I was put back into what appeared to be a cage and taken to the car. I meowed loudly on the journey to tell the people what I wanted. But no! Instead of reuniting me with my mummy cat, they brought me into a house with more humans. I have never been so scared. There was a lot of chatter, but nobody explained what was happening. I hoped they were just asking where my mummy cat was.
A Foster Home
Eventually, the people who brought me here left, and I knew that, whatever happened next, nothing would ever be the same again. The humans who lived in the house began talking to me and explained that this was my foster home. I was going to stay there, and they would help me find a forever home where I would be safe and loved. They promised to provide me with bravery training to stop me from being so scared and that I would no longer need to worry about food. They also said that I was going to be called Foxy. I meowed back to them that I didn't want any of it, but nobody was listening to me.
So, there I was, in a strange place, with unknown people, and all I wanted was my mum and my shed. But my foster carers never gave up on me. Day by day, little by little, they showed me how to live in a house, trust humans, and what life for a little kitten should be like. I got to eat yummy food, play with fun toys, and sleep where it was always warm and dry. I was still a bit scared, but less so every day. I don't know how long I was there, but I'm told it was a few months. I was still a kitten but I was getting bigger and stronger all the time.
Wonderful News
One day, my foster parents had some big news to share with me. My heart raced with excitement and fear. Were they taking me back to my mum? But no, it wasn't that. They revealed that the cat rescue centre which had brought me to their home had found someone who wanted to adopt me and love me forever.
Before I could go to my new home, I had to return to the vet for some injections to protect me from diseases and an operation so I wouldn't have babies when I grew up. Afterwards, I went back to the rescue centre to wait for my new family to collect me.
The centre was bustling with furry friends, some waiting to be collected like me, while others hoped to be chosen to go home with a new family. I meowed reassuringly to my fellow cats that everything would be okay, even though I didn't know what was going to happen to me.
Suddenly, a strange lady appeared and put me in a different carrier with my favourite blanket. She had a gentle voice that immediately put me at ease. She introduced herself as my new mummy and promised that I would have a loving home where I would be happy.
She also said that she thought I should be called Holly, since it was nearly Christmas. "A pretty name for a pretty kitten," she said. Despite her kind words, I was confused and scared about what was happening. The car ride to my new home was long and bumpy, and I meowed most of the way. But my new mummy kept trying to soothe me with my name, even though nothing seemed to work. The meows just kept coming.
My Forever Home
Eventually, the car pulled up to a new house, and the lady carried me inside. "Welcome to your new home, Holly," she said, placing the carrier on the floor and opening it. Overwhelmed by all the new sights and smells, I darted under a nearby cupboard, seeking refuge. The lady, however, reassured me that there was nothing to be frightened of and that I could take as much time as I needed to explore.
After a while, I remembered that I was a brave kitten and emerged from my hiding place. I explored my new surroundings, discovering food, toys, and even my favourite blanket. The lady's face beamed with happiness, as she watched me settle into my new home.
As I made my way over to her, I meowed a greeting, and in that moment, I knew that she was my new mummy. This was the place where I belonged, the place where I was finally home.
My Gotcha Day
And that's how, a few days later, I found myself opening presents, eating chicken, and snuggling with mummy and hoonan on Christmas Day.
Freddy: Happy #gotchaday Holly and thank you for sharing your story with us!
Holly, your story is so special and beautiful 🐾💕🐾💕
Awwww, Holly, I'm so pleased you found your forever home. Have a wonderful Christmas sweetheart xxx