A brighter future for semi-feral kittens Vine and Strand
Often at Catcuddles we rescue stray kittens who were born outside, and as a result are very shy and unsure of people. After health checks, our volunteers get to work socialising them, teaching them that people mean no harm and just want to offer them fuss and treats! Nevertheless socialisation does not end here and some may remain shy and need a loving, forever home to teach them to trust over time, so that they can grow into affectionate, outgoing adult cats. Unlike kittens who have been around people since birth who are great with children, shy kittens usually need adult only homes or perhaps a home with older children only.
Until they and their brothers arrived with us aged two months, Vine and Strand (now Zowie and Prince) had limited experience with humans.
Since adoption, these bonded brothers have gone from timid, hissing kittens to settling in very well in their adoptive home. They are of course kittens so can play for hours and hours, it’s fair to say that their two main modes are being naughty and sleeping. These days they are relaxed in their home and it’s clear to see they’re happy to be there. For a long time it was instinct to want to run away, but being picked up more often than not results in purring and tummy rubs are also ok.
With their brothers, Euston and Fleet, ready and waiting for their forever home, we recently spoke with Zowie and Prince’s adopters to find out more about their experiences so far.
What inspired you to adopt two kittens with a stray/feral background, who are a little more shy than average?
To me rescuing means exactly that and these kitties needed a bit more help. I also felt strongly that with the right care, a cat will grow in confidence and enjoy their life. It also really helped reading updates from others on the internet who have done the same thing and felt it was really rewarding and kind of a unique bond.
Has adopting kittens who might have otherwise been overlooked been a rewarding experience for you, and if so, how?
It has been the most amazing experience! It has been fascinating to see them grow in confidence literally each day and really touching to see how happy they become. They have gone from being extremely shy and running away from us to jumping and sitting on us purring in a four months. It sounds like a long time but it went so quickly because it was all so much fun and interesting along the way. They change fast, and are hilarious as they learn. The bond is unique too.. they keep their independence but you form a real connection with them and they start talking to you and sitting on you. They are also in a way, less scared of some things than other cats. For example, noises that travel in from outside or the hoover or even other animals or humans. They are kind of streetwise already I suppose and just not as fazed by those things.
What has been the highlight of your time with Zowie and Prince, and have there been any surprises in your journey with them so far?
I think the highlight has just got to be the turning point; when they stopped running away from us basically. Now they lie around sleeping on their backs and asking us to stroke their bellies - like the most relaxed cats on the block. I'm surprised about their own bond; they spend 24/7 glued to each others side and don't seem to tire of each other’s company! They do everything together even though they have the opposite personalities really. I'm so glad we got them as a pair.
