Chai

Chai is a beautiful 4-year-old girl who has been with SAFE for three years. The busy rehoming centre was overwhelming for her, so after two years, a wonderful foster carer welcomed her into their home. Over the past eight months, Chai has truly begun to flourish.

When she first arrived in foster care, Chai was very unsure of humans and would hiss if her carers came too close—even when offering treats. She wasn’t food-motivated, but when hungry enough, she could be gently encouraged to climb onto a lap to eat. Then, meal finished, she would retreat again, preferring her personal space.

But with time, patience, and kindness, Chai began to relax. She loved exploring the home, rolling around when she had space to herself, and confidently wandering about. Around the 6-week mark, something shifted—Chai started engaging with her carers through play. She discovered the joy of chasing wand toys, batting balls and toy mice, sprinting around the house, and scratching on her favourite scratcher. She even plays on her own when the mood strikes.

Slowly, trust grew. A few months into foster care, she allowed pats while eating. A month later, she began gently headbutting her carers at mealtimes—her first invitation for touch. This became a routine of tentative finger-sniffs, then headbonks, which gradually turned into regular pats. And once she realised how good affection feels, Chai simply never looked back.

These days, Chai loves company. Morning and evening, she convinces her carers to sit on the couch so she can settle beside them for pats. She adores bum pats, will often roll onto her side for belly rubs, and even allows gentle pats on her belly while she’s on the floor—though she’s still learning that this is safe. She startles easily at times, but recovers quickly. Her carers can now slip a hand under her body while patting, helping her slowly adjust to the idea of being picked up someday. She has even reached out a paw before, asking for more pats.

Chai has slept on her foster carer’s lap on rare, special occasions, but she usually prefers to sit close rather than on top. She has only visited the bed a handful of times, usually when she feels her carer owes her some “missed-you” time after an evening out. When the carers return after a day or night away, she insists on a good cuddle session before bedtime. Sometimes she even starts purring just by sitting beside them.

Chai is also wonderfully curious about the world—especially new smells. She loves sniffing her carers’ shoes when they return home, rubbing her head along the soles like they’re the most interesting thing on earth. She shows mild curiosity about the balcony, stepping outside only a few times, and always darting back indoors within a minute.

When meeting new people, Chai shows cautious curiosity. She will approach to sniff visitors, though she isn’t ready to let them pat her yet. If they try, she gives a soft little warning whack with her paw—but she’s happy to play with them instead.

Chai is also very vocal! She greets her carers every morning (even after breakfast), and she makes sure they know when it’s dinner time, playtime, or time for attention. If you meow at her during mealtimes, she has a 90% chance of meowing back—her carers have tested this thoroughly!

Chai may take time to settle into her forever home, but her incredible progress in foster care shows just how much love and connection she has to give. With patience, a quiet environment, and someone who understands her gentle pace, Chai will reward her special person with trust, affection, playfulness, and a uniquely deep bond.

If you’re looking for a cat who will blossom beautifully under your care, Chai may be the perfect match.

Chai is now back at the rehoming centre and has regressed. If you are a patient person and would like to welcome Chai into your home, please come to SAFE Haven in Roseville any day between 10am and 4pm to meet her.

If you take a chance on this beautiful girl, she will reward you multifold.