THE only thing that shy and timid cats in Oxfordshire want is a loving and welcoming home.

Yet because they are so nervous and lacking in confidence, these cats and kittens are seldom seen by members of the public wanting to bring a new pet into their lives.

In a bid to help, a charity in Burford is calling on all animal-lovers across the county to spread the word about shy cats.

Blue Cross is asking local cat lovers to consider opening up their homes to some of the many shy cats in its care who are in desperate need of loving families.

The Oxfordshire rehoming centre on Shilton Road is currently caring for 38 cats and kittens, but 10 of these are what the charity classes as “shy” – meaning they struggle to find new homes.

Top News

Animal welfare assistant at Blue Cross Burford, Hannah Bryan, said: “We are looking after lots of shy and nervous cats now.

“Our team are doing all they can to help these lovely cats come out of their shells and grow in confidence, but what they really need is a home. Sadly these cats tend to hide away in the cattery and don’t find homes very quickly.”

Kizzy is one of the 323 cats the Blue Cross in Burford has helped so far this year.

The two-year-old cat arrived at the charity after her owner died. She has been waiting more than 200 days to find a new home – seven times longer than the average stay for cats of just 28 days.

Oxford Mail:

Mickey Insley from the Blue Cross centre, with Gabby the greyhound

She is so nervous that she often hides from potential owners, and even an Oxford Mail photographer taking a picture would have caused her severe stress.

Ms Bryan explained that shy cats need calm and quiet homes, with owners who understand their needs and are happy to give them time and space to settle.

She added: “Taking on a shy cat is not for everyone so we are looking for people who have patience and understanding. Cats like Kizzy have so much love to give, so taking one on is extremely rewarding. They just need a chance.”

Work to redevelop the rehoming centre is begin later this year. The project includes building bigger, comfier kennels and outside runs, separate dog and cat isolation units for new arrivals and ill pets, dedicated puppy and kitten areas, new vets’ facilities and a refurbished reception area where owners can meet pets seeking homes.

The plans will help the charity to double the number of needy pets it can help.

The centre opened in 1990 and serves Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire and Northamptonshire, taking in dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and other small animals.

Sick, injured and homeless pets have relied on Blue Cross since 1897.

Call 0300 777 1897 for details.

Oxford Mail:

Smudge

CAN YOU GIVE THESE PETS A HOME?

  • GABBY the retired greyhound has been at the Blue Cross rehoming centre in Burford for more than three weeks. She is a five-year-old ex-racer.
  • Moses the rabbit has been there 33 days. His owner moved into rented accommodation and could not look after him any more.
  • Lottie the cat has been at Blue Cross Burford for 177 days. Her owner moved in with her partner who had a dog. Lottie didn’t like the dog at all and they thought it would be best to rehome her.
  • Spotty and Smudge, both cats, have been there 64 days. Their previous owner had 30 cats and was afraid she had taken on too many. She asked for Blue Cross’s help and they took in 20 of them.
  • Dave the guinea pig has been there for 36 days. He came from another rescue centre. He was fighting with his brother Wally, causing him to lose an eye. They have been separated now and staff hope to find Dave a girl to play with instead.

Oxford Mail:

Dave