Sponsor Princess and help her live life on her own terms.
Princess came to Burland Cat Barn after her previous owner in Basildon sadly faced losing her home. Another rescue initially stepped in to help, but with limited space, they reached out to us.
When Princess arrived, it quickly became clear she was a very frightened and defensive little girl. She would hiss, lash out and attempt to bite whenever I approached her.
I spent weeks patiently working with Princess, morning, afternoon and night, trying to earn her trust. Eventually, I began questioning whether I had the experience she needed, so I arranged for her to stay with another rescue experienced in handling feral and difficult-to-socialise cats.
But Princess had other ideas.
During a visit just over a week later, something incredible happened. Princess recognised me, came out of her bed, started meowing, purring and rubbing herself against her enclosure.
It was as though she was asking, "Where have you been?"
I knew there and then I had to bring her home.
After returning to Burland Cat Barn, Princess was booked in to be spayed at Essex Vets in South Woodham Ferrers. During surgery, the wonderful vet Dan discovered she had pyometra, a potentially life-threatening infection of the womb.
Thankfully, Princess received the surgery she desperately needed, and we finally had a possible explanation for some of her difficult behaviour.
Despite recovering, Princess remained a very independent girl who didn't enjoy being handled or confined. Having spent much of her life outdoors, she simply wasn't suited to becoming a traditional house cat.
After weeks of waiting, with no adoption enquiries, I made a decision based entirely on what would make Princess happiest.
I gave her the freedom to live permanently at Burland Cat Barn.
And what a difference that freedom has made!
Today, Princess enjoys exploring her surroundings, having her own space and approaching me when she feels comfortable. She's slowly learning to trust, but she'll always be a girl who prefers affection on her own terms.
Princess may never be a lap cat, but that doesn't mean she's any less deserving of love, safety and a forever home.
❤️ Could You Sponsor Princess?
As a self-funded rescue, we rely on our wonderful supporters to help care for permanent residents like Princess.
By sponsoring Princess, you'll be contributing towards her food, veterinary care, flea and worming treatments and everything she needs to enjoy a safe, happy and independent life.
Not every rescue story ends with a cat curled up on someone's sofa. Sometimes, the happiest ending is simply giving them the freedom to be themselves.
And that's exactly what we've given Princess.
