Stressed out Cats Looking for Purrfect Homes to Calm Their Nerves

The RSPCA raises awareness of the importance of our pets mental wellbeing

The RSPCA Canterbury branch is hoping to find perfect homes for two special cats who have sadly been suffering from stress and anxiety.

When Fennel and Homer came into the care of the charity they were both over-grooming, scratching and self-mutilating and sadly causing themselves significant injuries and fur loss as a result.

The branch has been working hard with both cats, who are now in different foster homes, to try and prevent these behaviours.

Natalie Archer, funding manager at the RSPCA Canterbury and District branch, said: “Both Fennel and Homer have been with us for a few months. We have spent lots of time with both cats to understand why they are showing these behaviours and to identify appropriate treatment plans to help them feel less anxious and now they are ready to be rehomed.

“Sadly, it’s not uncommon for cats suffering emotional distress to over groom or self-mutilate like these two have. They have both been through a lot which has left them traumatised. It really shows just how important the mental wellbeing of our pets is.”

Fennel, the white and tabby male cat, is about three years old and came to the branch from RSPCA Finsbury Park Animal Hospital after he was found in Canary Wharf with an injury to his throat. He is a friendly and gentle cat who will make a wonderful companion.

Homer, the one year old white and black male cat, was rescued by the RSPCA in July 2021 when he was found straying in Gillingham with an abscess on his face. Homer is a reserved but lovely cat who is also looking to find his forever home.

Natalie added: “After working with them closely and giving them lots of TLC both cats are now in a position where they are much calmer and are no longer exhibiting these behaviours. However, we need any future owner to understand what they have been going through as they will need careful ongoing treatment and care to make sure these behaviours don’t crop up again.”

Fennel and Homer are looking for separate homes in a quiet household with no children or other pets. They will need access to the outdoors and would like a safe space set-up ideally in a spare room where they can escape to if they wish.

If you think you can offer either Fennel or Homer a loving home, please contact the RSPCA Canterbury branch on email: info@rspca-canterbury.org.uk

The branch can assist with a foster first scheme to ensure that both cats settle in well.

Dr Sam Gaines, head of the companion animals team at the RSPCA, said: “There has been a boom in pet ownership during the pandemic and whilst it’s great to see so many pets becoming a real source of comfort during the last year or so, it’s important that we remember that our mental health can impact on that of our pets and we need to make sure we consider their mental health and know how they are feeling.

“From changes in their behaviour to their body language, our pets can give us insight into their mental wellbeing and it’s important that as pet owners we know how to spot these signs and act on them.

”Most cats like routine and a disruption to this routine, like us returning to work and being absent from home, may leave some feeling stressed or anxious. Fighting for resources with other cats, a change to their food or litter, a house move, or a new pet, are all factors which could lead to your cat becoming distressed. A cat’s body language is much more subtle and so it is important to regularly observe your cat, understand what is normal behaviour for them and when that behaviour might be different so you know how they’re feeling.”

To help support the vital work of the RSPCA Canterbury branch visit: https://rspca-canterbury.org.uk/home/donate/

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit our website or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181.