Our two latest rescues have come from a domestic violence situation and to say they are traumatised is putting it mildly. Our local domestic violence unit asked us to help, they had found a safe place for the woman but could not get her cats out. We had no phone no. for the man so it was a case of staking the flat out until he showed up. Unfortunately it was a round 15 mile trip each time and after 4 trips, chats to the neighbours, leaving notes and phone numbers all over the place, we were just about to abandon our softly softly approach and go the RSPCA/police route when he made contact and agreed to let us take the cats.
That was the easy part! When we got in, it was clear the cats were absolutely terrified of this man. They ran and wedged themselves in behind furniture in the most inaccessible places whenever he went near them. He didn't want to sign them over and then said he had sold the brother of the younger cat for £50. Was obviously going to do the same with these two, both unneutered females. Fortunately, they had other ideas and when he tried to catch the older one, she attacked him viciously... In the end he agreed (again) that we could take them.
Our helper, a gentle man (couldn't risk a woman), managed to scruff them ok, got them signed over and out of the flat and they are now safe. Will post pics soon but they are so terrified, bless them. They are mother and daughter, 12yrs and c. 11yrs, dark brindle tortie and black with white star on chest. Unspayed. The daughter is calling but the mum could be pregnant. Although they were indoor cats, the male cat that was sold was unneutered... We're just letting them settle and calm down for now.
When we reported back to the DVU that we had got the cats out and to let their client know, we were told that she was being repeatedly phoned up and told he was going to kill her cats by smashing their heads against the wall. Probably a wind-up but what a nice man, eh?
