Willoughby

Hi everyone my name is Willoughby <3.

My human foster Mum calls me a true Phoenix.. rising from the ashes of a fatal fire that took the life of my owner and feline family and the only home I had ever known :( . For several weeks, I remained amid the ashes, trying to make sense of the rubble I had found myself in. I had previously lived with other dogs and cats, and the dogs were relocated very quickly. Kind neighbours left food and attempted to collect me, but I was full of fear and unwilling to trust. After nearly 2 months of living rough, I was eventually collected by a kind neighbour who was simply unwilling to give up on me. She made contact with a wonderful organisation and I entered their care, The Not Forgotten Ones Inc., and here my new life began.

I was located in reasonably good physical health, however I had huge difficulty with being relocated from the remnants of my home and dealing with unfamiliar people. I was rushed straight away to one of The Not Forgotten Ones Inc. wonderful rescue vets, received an immediate consult which included desexing, a dental procedure and a diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I then entered a 3 month rehabilitation program with an animal behaviourist to address highly escalated fear based behaviours and issues with confinement and unfamiliar persons. My stress disorder was found to be the result of a Single Prolonged Stress Event, and now I am presenting as a confident, affectionate, friendly and good natured house cat.

I am a beautiful natured big boy, who weighs in at 7kg, and currently lives with my foster Mum, another cat, a large breed dog, a 5 yo child, fish and birds. I am very obliging of other animals. I do pursue caged birds, and my prey drive may have been piqued during my time of living homeless. With this in mind, I am not recommended for a home with birds, rodents, reptiles, guinea pigs or an accessible pond or fish tank.

I have a sanctuary that I happily return to independently for sleep, food or toileting. This contains 4 different sleeping spaces (hammock, shelf, tub bed, and mat). To ensure a smooth transition into a new home, my new owner is encouraged to recreate a safe space and gradually extend this space across time. I am not particularly comfortable indoors, and this may be a persistent stressor that remains from the fire. This hesitancy is likely to resolve across time and alongside a developing attachment with my new family, but initially it will require that my new owner has a suitable outdoor enclosure. This can be an enclosed patio, verandah or cat enclosure attached to a window or entry to the house.

I love play time and will prompt this with my young human buddy and also enjoys playing with the well socialised dog in my foster placement. I am an animated, happy larrikin both entertaining and enjoys interaction. I am easily handled and enjoy short brushes, though I really don't need them as I am very proud of my glossy coat and groom myself regularly. I have a collection of toys that will travel with me into my new home.

I will make a wonderful addition to any home. If you are looking for an affectionate and friendly cat to keep you company and provide lots of entertainment I am your man. I am very routine, rarely vocalises and I am really an easygoing guy who just wants to be part of a family and have a safe place to call home. If you think I may be the family member you have been looking for, please make contact and let the team know how you and your home will best support me to live his best life I can. Familiar items will travel with me into my new home, as well as ALWAYS with any TNFO Inc. animal, ongoing assistance with ensuring a smooth transition into my new home.

I am expecting to be very popular because of my story, so please understand that you will need to address my requirements in your application, to ensure you are considered to be my furever after family and I thank you in advance for your patience.