Fundraiser Update: Rodolfo and Tolkein

Many of you will be familiar with Rodolfo and Tolkien’s story. Born to a stray (Roselea) in the garden of a seemingly empty house, just five minutes away from the charity's Abbey Wood hub. Fortunately, a kind-hearted couple lived next door to the vacant home, and they provided the mother cat with food and shelter, and sought help for her from CatCuddles when they realised that she was nursing kittens.

Rodolfo and Tolkien had been hidden under some old, rotting decking in the empty garden so their rescue was a challenge and you can read all about that in our previous posts. Tolkien’s rescue was particularly arduous, so well hidden no one knew he was there. Fortunately, he soon joined his family and before long was tucking in to food and building up his strength.

As they were born as strays and had no direct human contact until their rescue, they’ve had lots of hands-on socialisation. This is work that needs to continue after adoption so they will need someone with previous experience of cats who is willing and able to do this. Rodolfo and Tolkien would be suit an adult-only home or perhaps with calm teenagers who have lived with cats before.

Rodolfo has a white ‘bib’ and he has longer fur than his brother, Tolkien. Both are fluffy with dark brown fur. They both were eating well from the outset; ensuring they were building up their strength. It wasn’t long before they learnt that there really is not such thing as a free lunch: cuddles with humans are very much part of the deal!

Both Rodolfo and Tolkien seem to like being groomed and will stay happily on a lap while being brushed. This is important for these long haired fluffies and a great way to bond with them.

Rodolfo took longer to accept lap cuddles, but over time they will both eventually sit on a lap. They continue to be a little resistant to cuddles initially, but will settle down and start to relax into it. Just like big sister Valentina, whose story we shared yesterday, it is important to be willing and able to do this to help them gain confidence and familiarity around people.

Rodolfo and Tolkien will need access to a garden in a safe location, away from busy roads and via a cat flap, once they are of age (we recommend 6 months) and of course neutered (at 4-5 months).

If you believe you can offer Rodolfo and Tolkien the home that they need please read their profile on our website and submit an adoption enquiry via https://www.catcuddles.org.uk/adopting-a-cat.