Golden oldie cat spends nearly 200 days at Thanet RSPCA branch waiting for forever home

Judy is waiting for a new home

The RSPCA is appealing for a special home for a senior cat who was rescued after her previous owners moved away and sadly left her behind.

Judy is a 16-year-old tabby and white cat who came into the care of the RSPCA Woodchurch Animal Centre in Birchington, Kent, in November last year.

The sweet cat has been looking for a new home and a cosy retirement pad for 198 days and counting.

Hannah White, from the RSPCA Isle of Thanet branch, said: “Sadly, Judy’s owner could no longer keep her and so they rehomed her to what they thought was a loving, new home but unfortunately, the new owners moved away and left poor Judy behind.

“She was found straying and taken to a vet who then contacted the RSPCA for help. It’s a heartbreaking story, especially for a senior cat like Judy.”

The staff and volunteers at the animal centre found that Judy loved being in the reception area so that she can be with people all the time and help to greet any visitors.

Hannah added: “She’s certainly the boss of reception now – even letting us know to move her into patches of sun whilst she’s snoozing on her very own desk chair!

“She’s been with us for many months where she has proven to be an absolutely wonderful cat who loves human company. She is a sweet and gentle soul who appreciates the best things in life; long and cosy snoozes, sunbathing, watching the world go by, company and essential strokes and fuss.

“We are all very much smitten with Judy, but we would really love for her to be able to retire from her reception duties and live out her remaining years in a sun patch at home.”

Judy enjoys a quieter pace of life and has some mobility issues, she is on an early renal diet, and has medication for her hyperthyroidism which she happily takes via a syringe.

Judy would prefer to be the only cat in the home and would prefer not to live with a dog. However, she could live with families who have primary school aged children or older, and although she will likely spend more time inside, she would like access to some outdoor space. She is also looking for an owner who will be around a good part of the day to keep her company.

This year the RSPCA celebrates its 200th year of changing industries, laws, minds, and animals’ lives. To mark this anniversary the animal welfare charity wants to inspire one million people to join their movement to improve animals’ lives.

As part of its celebrations, the RSPCA recently revealed that in the ten years up until the end of 2022 the RSPCA along with its branch partners found new homes for a staggering 17,319 animals in Kent.

If you have a Judy-sized hole in your family, please find more information on how to adopt her here. For more information on all the pets available for adoption, visit: www.rspca.org.uk/findapet