SANDY - strong boy with a heart of gold​

FIV positive, half blind, an impressively muscular, pear shaped, very cuddly tom, 

Beige (buff, strawberry coloured), perhaps 5 years old (??), lovely character & temperament, very sweet, but definitely not a toy, but an individual with his own mind, quietly inquisitive, intelligent.  

If there are other cats, Sandy can be both very loving, but also defensive/dominant when others try to take advantage.

He snuggles up with weaker cats, which he licks. He also licks himself vigorously. A possible cause for this is stress and both licking and eating may be strategies to soothe himself.

Sandy is fond of thorough rests but also an active cat. He enjoys being tickled, handled, even picked up, if he trusts you and is approached by voice first. He thrives on and should never be deprived of attention
Sandy even lets you clean his ears, provided there are sufficient cuddles to be had before and after. As he can only see half of what a normal cat sees, there is a certain insecurity which a sensitive, caring owner should -  with time - be able to totally alleviate. 

Judging by other successful adoptions of FIV cats, once happily homed Sandy will probably  increase in health and playfulness, lose weight and might turn out to be younger than assumed.

If you are willing to invest empathy and love you need look no further for a  LOVELY tom, great companion and an asset to your home.

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LEON - ​lion soul 

Quiet and sensitive gentleman of striking appearance with deep, sincere feelings seeks caring partner and comfortable home.  Forever.
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Carer's comment: Probably one of the most beautiful toms in the Sanctuary Leon values his personal space and freedom. He has been much loved in his life and returns affection with unswerving, undemonstrative loyalty.
His reticence increases with illness, When Leon is not well he tends to hide himself away, possibly in order to avoid losing further status. He also preserves his dignity and will only be treated and handled on his terms. Leon is not a cat to be grabbed, but a gentleman to be asked.

Leon has fought FIV all his life and the better he is supported the greater are his chances. Under his cream-brown-and-white feathery coat stands a tall, but lightly built, quite delicate cat. In order to help Leon put on weight, gingivitis (gum inflammation) needs to be monitored. When his gums are inflamed, Leon needs gentle pain relief, smooth, pureed food and help with his grooming. As Leon has not built up a lot of weight, illness must be taken seriously. Another winter spent in the Sanctuary meant contracting various ailments which needed to be medicated. Medication however puts increasing pressure on his kidneys. In order to survive Leon needs a home. 

You will find Leon a grateful, most agreeable, well mannered and intelligent partner. He is not as shy as it might seem, but might take some time to make up his mind about you. After all the change he has experienced, Leon deserves an enjoyable, steady courtship, not to be rushed!

Leon loves some space to explore and to withdraw to, but as time goes by now prefers a comfortable basket with a hot water bottle . 

Will you open your home and your heart to Leon? Will you save his life?

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 am beautiful, stunning, a most attractive and agile eye catcher. I am loving, trusting, intelligent. I once was a prize, a treasured treasure. I used to be, a sensitive but light-hearted extrovert.
But I am getting more confused and disheartened by the day. To be taken to the Sanctuary by my most special person was a big, big shock. I look like a gentleman, but I`m still a tall teenager.
I still had hope and trust. Things would take a turn for the better. Somehow.
But they didn’t. The other cats frighten me. They won’t let me eat. I’m losing weight, rapidly and visibly. I have learnt to defend myself. At least I’m tall and fast. The carers love me, really. But nobody has time for me.
I still try very hard to win a heart. Anybody’s. But my hope is dwindling; DAY BY DAY.
I was adopted recently, but the other cats were old, they didn’t like me. Perhaps I was too playful, too happy to have found a home again?
If you want a lively, strong but gentle partner for life and have time and love to share, can you take me home very soon?
Comment:  Poussino is a beautiful and healthy house cat with stunning looks and a sweet, playful character. He is dwindling fast, - body and soul
To save him he needs understanding, committed owners who will provide a stable and loving home for life.

Timmy is so typical of the amazing ginger- and-white mind readers: sensitive, intelligent, interested in human contact, very affectionate. If you ever knew a ginger and white cat, you'll know what immense loyalty and love they bring into any relationship. Despite the disappointment of losing home twice in his still young life - Timmy remains sweet and gentle, even if slightly subdued. Timmy will give us humans a third chance. His spirit is not broken, - yet. 
If you want a wonderful companion and are prepared to look after him body and soul, Timmy is your choice. Adopting him will be a life-long commitment and joy.

Hi!  I’m Timmy. I’m a teenager!
I used to have a home as the companion of an elderly owner.As I grew up, I started exploring, jumping and playing...I was having so much fun! But, my owner thought I would be better off in the street. I don’t know what I did wrong!?
For a house kitten the street is hell's scary: no food, no water, no shelter, no bearings, no love. Scary cars, scary cats ,scary noises,scary smells, SCARY, so, so scary!!!!
A kind, caring person took pity on me and drove me to the CSAF-Sanctuary. It was so nice to be off the streets and I wasn’t so scared any more. In the Sanctuary I am liked by the carers as I am gentle and very affectionate. I love being loved and am loving in return. I was trying very hard to find somebody who'll like me enough to take me HOME. On third January 2018 my big day came. I was chosen! A friendly couple wanted me and I very much wanted them. I climbed into their cat carrier as quickly as I could and lay very still. Best behaviour. It was unbelievable! My dream come true!!! But at home their cat didn't like me. NOT AT ALL.  For 6 days we all tried soo hard. But she would not give up: "My home!", she said, "My special people!! Either you go or me, and it's not me!!!" 
So I am back again, - still waiting for my special person. If it's you, just fill in the form below and mention me, TIMMY, in your comment!
 I will be around.

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KITTENS FOR ADOPTION
26/7/2017
 

August 2017
Miss. Queenie Specklebottom

I dearly wish to be adopted! My carer says I really NEED to be adopted before winter. That would be wonderful....

I am blind. Can you imagine what this means? I can not see you approach. Suddenly I hear your voice VERY close, unfamiliar hands touch me unexpectedly. Big shock, danger, flight or fight. But I cannot see where I can escape to either! Speak to me softly and clearly and let me figure out where you are, then we'll be fine!

I used to stay in defensive position -Ears back, paw lifted, stressed…I am no longer like that. I‘m an old lady now.

I still struggle with the attitudes of cats. Most don‘ t realize I can not read their body language. I cannot see their bare teeth, their lowered head, their fixed challenging stare. Unless they hiss, I can not react to warnings or threats. Some think I‘m cool and leave me alone. Others go for me when I do not heed their warnings. Life was never easy for me, but I survive.

When our Sanctuary was on the blazing hot roof of the Machina in Senglea I loved soaking up the sun. To protect me my carers put up a little umbrella for me where I could lie in undisturbed luxury like a queen. That’s how I got my name, Queenie. Specklebottom is for the distinctive marbling of colours on my behind. My carers tell me I’m very beautiful – like a piece of rare quartz.

When  the Sanctuary  moved to the Cospicua fortifications I was homed in the 2nd enclosure where the more mature  and fragile  cats live. We  are more considerate in here! Cats who  fight go out!
Carers try to put water, food and litters always in the same place so that we two remaining blind cats can find them. 

There used to be three of us. Three blind cats! Blind, ancient and so tiny, Pupa was my very best friend. When we woke up we used to circle  the enclosure, looking in EVERY  basket trying to find each other! The other  cats were not pleased when we climbed on them, but we were determined, we never  gave up. We circled and circled sometimes following  each other  without realising it. It pulled at the heart strings of all who watched us. And when we finally  found each other : the joy! !!!

We pressed our heads together for a VERY long time and purred  as much as we could. Then I licked Pupa  clean,  face and body,  very thoroughly. She was so old and frail and did not have the energy to clean herself properly. And she would let no carer touch her ....And then we snuggled up together  to sleep. Oh, the bliss! The very  great  happiness! !!! Surely you know too, that all cats need  to love and to be loved 

But who loves us blind ones? Cats think us strange as we move in an unfamiliar way, slowly and hesitantly where they glide gracefully and jump with confidence. Humans we love, but normally notice them  far too late.  We cannot advance purring and smiling like the other lonely cats who can see. We blind cats don't know where you are. 

But whenever my name is spoken I look up. And I hope it means Attention. Love. Care. For me! I'd love to meet you! Would you visit me? Ask for Queenie in the 2nd Enclosure. I'll be waiting for you!!!

A Note from my Carer:
Queenie is a wonderful old lady with an unfailingly upbeat and stoic character, infinite hope and loneliness. 

In winter she had her last teeth removed, thorough grooming therefore is impossible for her. Now just being lovingly brushed is sheer unexpected ecstasy. Who will do for Queenie what she so reliably did for her old friend Pupa who let no carer touch her?

Queenie will purr, knead with her feet, roll on her back and do everything to show you how very pleased and comfortable she is.

Surviving as a blind cat is not for the feint hearted. Queenie is not only consistently genteel, but also a very courageous elderly lady. Seeing her climb on benches and shelves and afterwards when she can‘t find her way down observe her determinedly diving into the unknown descent will take your breath  away. Obviously a considerate owner will prevent such life threatening situations and make sure Queenie only moves where she can SAFELY return to familiar surroundings.

Only once did she wander through a door left open out of her enclosure. After scouting her way forward through unknown terrain, stumbling across a multitude of unfamiliar cats, she decided to rest in the shade of a bench. When I found her she was not alone. One of the big, old, slow moving toms from her enclosure was resting next to her. We always thought he was past noticing anything…….

What is particularly touching is that Queenie‘s gratitude is so visible and immense. For being put into mild spring sunshine -  in a cage - for  a while. For the hot water bottle in cold stormy winter nights. For an ice pack in the heat of the summer.

With all the care we try to give, especially in extreme weather, we have to divide our time between so many! Queenie will NOT survive another winter in her open, drafty enclosure. Not even if she gets to top priority on the hot water bottle list. She will contract and succumb to her chronic winter flu, her stuffed nose won’t allow her to smell the food, her appetite will wane, taking medications will become a problem and jeopardize kidneys and liver. No sight, no smell… and how often will she actually hear her name being coaxingly called, how often will she be sought out and touched by a discerning kind visitor??

Queenie is extremely easy to please and has minimum requirements. However as with all older cats be prepared for vet visits. A kind understanding and patient vet specializing in older cats would be invaluable. There is so much we can do with good advice and inexpensive care to prolong the lives of basically healthy cats.

Will Queenie be happy with a second resident cat? Think of a very kind and blind old grandmother. What sort of partner would you introduce into her daily life? Some cats are amazing with blind or handicapped partners and their wonderful relationships are a constant source of wonder and admiration- Others are insecure bullies who can make their fellow cats’ lives hell without the owner having the faintest idea. If you fall for Queenie, we are sure you are able to assess other cats as well.

As she well knows herself, Queenie hardly ever gets noticed. A motionless brown bundle resting somewhere on the floor. It needs a special person to take a second glance and patient approach and to recognize Queenie for what she really is: pure gold, burnished and polished, speckled, and shimmering.

If you are the human looking for a positive role model and a trusting, loyal friend who spends much time resting, why don’t you invite Queenie into your home? Remember that your generosity will change and brighten up 3 lives:
1. Queenie’s,
2. The still homeless cat‘s who will inherit „her place“in the enclosure and
3. Yours.