A ‘quirky natured’ tabby and white cat has not received a single offer of a home since coming into the RSPCA’s care in Staffordshire nearly eight months ago.
Sadly, not one person has enquired about adopting five-and-a-half year old Bella since she arrived at the Burton upon Trent & District Branch’s Hillfield Animal Home on 8 March. She’s now the longest-staying feline in their care.
She was given up for rehoming after finding living with the young children in her previous household very stressful, and with her owner being pregnant again, she felt it would be better for Bella to find a quieter home.
Staff say she’s a sweet-natured but insecure cat who’s going to need patient and understanding owners as she learns to trust people again.
Bella’s appeal comes towards the end of the RSPCA’s annual Adoptober rehoming drive – a month-long campaign promoting adoption – with new figures showing that animal intake has increased but rehoming has slowed.
Administration supervisor Cyan Cooper said: “It’s heartbreaking because Bella has had absolutely no interest at all, not a single call or rehoming enquiry in nearly eight months and, through no fault of her own, she’s becoming more and more frustrated here in the cattery.
“One minute she’s full of herself and enjoying a fuss, but the next she’ll tell you she’s had enough and will give you a gentle swipe with her paw – so we think her quirky but slightly unpredictable nature is sadly putting people off.
“She’s made some progress since she’s been with us, but she still has some insecurities which her new owners will need to take on board. However, we really believe that in the right home, where there’s no pressure on her and she’s able to potter around in her own time, she will thrive and blossom.
“She’s a cat where everything is pretty much on her terms, so it’s really important that potential adopters understand they will need to give her space, patience and understanding. We think a home with people who’ve had experience of cats like her would be beneficial as it can be much harder than you realise.”
Bella ideally needs an adult-only home, or one with older teenagers who are going to respect her needing her own space. She’s not a fan of other animals.
Members of the public can enquire about adopting Bella by ringing the animal home on 01283 569165 or fill out an application form on the website.
Other deserving cats who are also looking for homes at Hillfield include inseparable Annie and Bonnie who were abandoned in cat carriers on the towpath of the Trent and Mersey Canal near Chellaston in early September.
New figures released by the RSPCA as part of its Adoptober campaign show that the charity’s centres and branches across England and Wales rehomed almost 27,000 animals last year (2021), eight percent less than the previous year.
At the same time, more animals are arriving into the charity’s care and the average length of stay has increased, resulting in long waiting lists for spaces in rehoming centres.
For people who are able to bring a pet into their home, the RSPCA urges them to consider adopting rather than buying. Many of the charity’s animals will already be neutered, vaccinated and treated for fleas and worms – making it a much more cost-effective option.
