Rehoming stories

Former stray Holly has finally found somewhere to call home

The black cat caught the eye of Kate Jones when she and her partner visited our Bromsgrove rehoming centre.

After she had visited three times and we carried out our checks, Kate took her home.

Holly was originally called Sphinx but Kate says: “The first thing was to give her a new start with a new name, as we didn’t really feel Sphinx suited her. Following a Facebook vote of friends, Sphinx was renamed Holly.”


As Holly was a stray we didn’t know too much about her background but Kate soon learned she was housetrained – and eager to check out the garden.


She says: “The first time I put her outside she immediately disappeared to explore the garden and we did wonder if we’d done the right thing.


“We needn’t have worried. Within 15 minutes she’d had her first wander and came back through the catflap to finish her breakfast looking a much happier cat!


“From that day on she’s forever in and out. Like many cats Holly’s an independent sort and will spend quite a lot of time outside. But she also likes her home comforts.

“Most days after breakfast she’ll have a mad five minutes chasing toys around downstairs, a quick stroll around her ‘grounds’, before retiring for a little lie down – that usually lasts until dinner time!”


Kate says that Holly’s favourite things include food and discovering new places.
She says: “She loves to explore and investigate, climbing into any cupboard that’s open and crawling into any nook or cranny.”


Kate adds: “Holly’s character is really coming out now. Quite a feisty character, she’s quick to get your attention when she wants it – even if that’s 4am, which she thinks is a good time to play!


“But she’ll let you know if she’d rather be alone. She’s also a very friendly cat, and will normally deign to get out of bed and come to meet us when we get home, or anyone else who’s visiting for that matter.


“We’re thrilled with Holly, apart from when she brings us presents (two dead mice and a robin so far!); and we think she’s pleased that she’s found a new home with us. We look forward to enjoying her company for many years to come.”