Mickie came to Crawley Cats Protection from a multi-cat household where he’d been left to fend for himself with very little human help or even contact. He’d been cold-shouldered and Mickie retreated into himself. He was an anxious, fearful boy who just didn’t trust people. A dedicated fosterer at the branch, Mike, shares his story…

Mickie is unlikely to be surpassed in my cat-fostering career and will always have a super-special place in my heart. His first seven years had not been great. Mickie had been marginalised and forgot what human contact and affection was. He had to learn to trust humans again. I don’t think it’s too strong to describe it as rehabilitation, which is called desensitisation when working with an animal. It was a slow process but was great to see.

There were times in the early weeks where I doubted whether I could help him. He would stay in his Cats Protection Hide & Sleep® in a cupboard, only coming out at night. I had to remember that what seemed like ‘little steps’ to me must have been ‘huge leaps’ for him. I deployed all the tricks of the trade to help him slowly build trust – treats, multiple Feliway plug-ins, a big soothing catnip plant. At night, I would leave a trail of treats to encourage him into my bedroom.

After achieving that little victory, I got Mickie more comfortable in my company by putting videos of birds on the iPad. I then got him comfortable with jumping up onto my bed. (He would always seem to be most comfortable when I was on my bed – it was a safe space!).

Big progress was made when, by chance, I used a small electric blanket that I had bought to help with my back. Mickie loved it and made him quite soppy. It was thanks to the electric blanket that I was able to touch him. This first contact was achieved after almost two-and-a-half months. From here, progress accelerated and his confidence grew and grew.

I was also able to get Mickie to the vet where he had his vaccinations - and it was great to get a clean bill of health (barring a moderate heart murmur).

Mickie was eventually adopted by Damon, his daughter Nell who is a vet, and things could not have worked out any better.

Mickie has now settled into his forever home and continuing to try new things every day.

Unfortunately, at Cats Protection, we have seen the rate of abandoned cats and kittens increase by over 30% this year. Cats will never know why they’ve been abandoned. They only know the cold, fear and hunger. But their journey doesn’t end there. Our expert team will get to know every abandoned cat so we can find their perfect owner and home, and ensure they’re healthy and ready to continue their journey.

We have launched this appeal to help us support more cats like Mickie. Your support will provide the food, warmth and expert care that cats who we help need, until we find them a loving new home.

We receive no government funding and rely heavily on kind members of the public to support our work and allow us to help cats who are in life-threatening situations. Even a small gift can help abandoned cats and kittens, and every penny makes a difference.

We’re here for every cat’s journey, and for every owner who needs our advice and support.

Thank you.

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