From Fearful to Friendly – Saxon’s Tale

Saxon is a gorgeous black boy of around two years old.

He came into our care as a homeless cat, and it is fair to say that his life was miserable. He was hungry, exhausted and was bullied by other cats. He had many scratches on his face, and he was so fearful of our intentions.

For the first couple of weeks, he ate and slept a lot and was still very low and afraid. He needed time and space to adjust to his new situation, and although we needed to be close to him on occasions, we were careful not to cause him stress. He then began to groom himself properly which is always a good sign.

Over the next few weeks we gradually got him used to us being around, and we began to lightly stroke him and soothe his emotions by speaking softly to him and by gentle interaction. By the end of those few weeks he was showing trust and much more interest. His wounds were healing very well, he was feeling stronger and more confident, and we could see the expression on his face had finally changed. He had lost the terrified and anxious look of before, and now had a calmness that came from feeling safe and cared for. He almost looked like a different cat.

And now, after 10 weeks of healing, he is ready to be homed, and what a beautiful boy he is! He is sweet and friendly, and eager for attention. He likes other cats too, so he will make a good friend for any resident cats already in a home.

Saxon’s transformation is typical of cats who have become homeless, and we take in many cats like him every year. For reasons that they can’t tell us, they go from a place of familiar safety, to one of confusion and fear, where they have to fend for themselves in ways they are unused to. When they are taken into care, they start a journey of healing which can be a long one. We all have a part to play in rebuilding their trust and confidence, and it is an absolute joy when we see that happen.

We are thankful to all the kind people who care enough to notice these poor cats, because without that intervention, their outcome would be very different.

We hope that dear Saxon is offered the loving home he needs very soon.