Cats spend over 500 days in RSPCA care looking for forever homes

The RSPCA has launched a special appeal to find homes for two cats in its care in Kent who have sadly been waiting a combined 515 days to find a home.

Black and white cats Marion and Panda have had no interest from potential adopters whatsoever during that time and staff at the RSPCA Ashford Garden Cattery who are caring for them can’t understand why.

Lisa Dennis, from the branch, said: “Both Marion and Panda are fantastic, lovely cats but sadly they have been waiting to find a home for such a long time. Marion has been waiting around 300 days without a single application and Panda has waited about 215 days without any interest whatsoever.

“They both really deserve a second chance at happiness and we’re keen to see them get the loving home they deserve as soon as possible.”

Marion and Panda will need to be rehomed separately as although Marion likes other cats, Panda would prefer to be the only cat in the home.

Three-year-old Marion came into the charity’s care after being rescued from a multicat household where her needs weren’t being met. 

Lisa added: “Sadly, she’s had little to no socialisation and had given birth to many kittens so a lot of time and patience was required by her fosterer to try and help bring her out of her shell. Now she is very playful and comes forward for treats rather than retreating into her hiding spot as she was before, so she’s come on leaps and bounds!

“Marion is looking for a patient owner who understands that she may need a long time to develop trust as her previous experience has left her a little unsure of people. However, once she does feel more relaxed she shows her funny and lovely character.”

Marion likes other cats and the charity recommends perhaps rehoming her with a neutered male cat. She will also need to have access to the outdoors so that she can explore and would prefer not to live with a dog. As she is quite shy and will need time and patience to settle in, she would also prefer to live in an adult-only household.

Three-year-old Panda came into the charity’s cattery after she was found as a stray in desperate need of care. Sadly, Panda found cattery life quite stressful so was quickly placed in foster care where she could get some one-on-one attention.

Lisa added: “Panda is a happy and playful girl who absolutely adores fuss! As soon as she left the cattery and was placed in foster care, her sweet personality started to shine through. Little is known about Panda’s history but we do know she spent some time on the streets and now all she wants is a home of her own. She can be a little nervous but she’s a fun-loving, affectionate girl and once she knows she is safe, she is quite happy to spend her time playing and being fussed.”

Panda would like a calm home where she can have some time to settle in and get to know her new family and before long she is sure to be sitting on their lap and snoozing on their sofa. Panda would prefer to be the only cat in the home and would also prefer not to live with a dog. She will need access to go outside and explore. Panda loves company so would like an owner who can be around for a good part of the day. She could also live with families who have children of secondary school age or older.

Unfortunately, the charity sees black and black and white cats take much longer to rehome than other coat colours.

If you think you can give Marion or Panda a loving home please contact the RSPCA Kent, Ashford and Tenterden Branch on 01233 646855 or email a ‘perfect match’ form to [email protected].