Two ‘loving and friendly' forgotten felines in a Maidenhead cattery are hoping to find their furr-ever home in time for Christmas.
The RSPCA in Berkshire is making a special appeal to (separately) rehome these two girls, who have inexplicably been in the charity’s care for more than 250 days.
Minnie and Kara have received ‘barely any interest’ from potential adopters despite their winning personalities.
The RSPCA’s East Berkshire Branch says it is ‘puzzled’ by the lack of calls – and is now sharing the duo’s sad stories in the hopes of finding the friendly felines new homes this Christmas.
Rehoming manager Lara Di Virgilio said: “Minnie and Kara are super friendly cats with loving personalities. But sadly, they keep getting continually overlooked and we don’t really know why.
“They have come from very different backgrounds but share equally sad stories and deserve a second chance at happiness.
“Both of them would make wonderful family companions and we’d love to see them out of the cattery and in their own homes in time for Christmas.
“We’d urge anyone who is considering taking on a feline friend to come and meet these girls, or help us to spread the word by sharing their stories with family and friends.”
Dark tortoiseshell Minnie was heavily pregnant when she came into RSPCA care on July 24 as an unwanted pet.
She gave birth to six kittens, which she raised successfully – but unlike her offspring, she has yet to find a home of her own.
The two-year-old likes to be around people, enjoys being stroked, and ‘may even sit on your lap once she gets to know you.’
She is ‘an active and sociable character’ who will enjoy a household environment with access to go outside and explore.
Black and white Kara was abandoned in the Thames Valley area and came into RSPCA care on the same day as Minnie.
A ‘friendly and happy natured puss’ who ‘adores human company,’ she will meow to greet her person, loves playing and having cuddles on laps.
The five-year-old feline will need to be the only cat in the household and will also enjoy having access to a safe outside space.
Black or black and white cats are nearly three times more likely to come into RSPCA care than tabbies. They also take three times longer to find homes.
On average, it takes them 29 days to be adopted, in comparison to grey tabby cats which are rehomed in just nine days.
To find out more about Minnie and Kara and how to submit an application form, visit the East Berkshire branch’s website or call directly on 07852 481079.
Every cat is neutered, microchipped and vaccinated prior to leaving.
The East Berkshire Branch is a separate registered charity from the national RSPCA and relies solely on fundraising and volunteers to continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming cats.
To help the RSPCA support more animals like Minnie and Kara visit rspca.org.uk/winterappeal
The cost of living is thought to be making people more reluctant to take on a new pet, and causing people with pets to struggle.
For those who find themselves struggling, the RSPCA has launched a dedicated cost of living hub and it has more than 200 Pet Food Bank Partnerships across the country.
If you find a small pet who has been abandoned, take them directly to a local vet or rescue centre.
There’s more information on how to safely handle and transport an animal on the RSPCA website.
If you find a dog you believe has been abandoned, contact your local authority’s stray dog service.
