Shadow's story
Driving home from the school run, we spotted him outside a mosque eating rice that had been put out for the birds. When he moved we noticed he was limping badly and only really using three legs. It was obvious he was struggling and did not belong on the streets, especially as when he was approached he didn’t run away, just laid beside us and wanted a stroke. There was no way we could leave him there, so we had a quick search around for a cardboard box to put him in, he wasn't impressed but it shows how in need he was that he let us put him a box to transport home.A visit to the vet discovered he had broken both his leg and tail, they had since healed but there is muscle wastage on the injured side as he doesn’t fully weight bear on the leg. His tail also feels really "wiggly" when stroked due to the breaks. He was only between 2-3 months old when rescued, so had an awful start in life. We will never know how he got his injuries or when he was dumped on the streets, all we know is it astoundingly hasn’t affected his trust in humans, he is a really sweet boy.
Shadow is now doing really well, he can jump to bed height and is getting stronger daily, he does still walk with a limp which might never go but he can run really fast (which he does a lot) and flies up the stairs; when he is running he now uses the leg correctly, forgetting the past pain, so is slowly building up his muscle. The vet believes he is a Maine Coon / Bengal/Arabian Mau mix - his coat is soo soft.
We would love to keep him but our older cats are not impressed. Shadow loves to play and chases everything that moves - our poor older cats and don't you dare move your toes in bed under the duvet, his favourite thing is to jump on them, which actually gets a bit painful! Very importantly, if you don’t have another playful cat, you will need to play with him – throwing balls, a toy on a stick etc. Obviously, he is a kitten so play is normal behaviour but with Shadow, that urge to chase and pounce is strong, probably his Bengal roots. He is very affectionate and loves to be with you, he is called Shadow because he literally follows me everywhere.
His Ideal Home
He would suit an experienced cat person who understands his urge to pounce and play; give him a ball and he will happily chase it for hours! He is full of character and has the loudest purr, which he does immediately you pick him up for a cuddle. He is also quite chatty, as soon as he sees you he gives little excited squeaks. He is adorable and very loving though a little shy with strangers. He is not a lap cat but likes to sit beside you, or in the same room as you, never on your lap though. He has very "doglike" tendencies and bonds closely with one person, also loves carrying things round in his mouth - pencils, balls and his favourite soft toy (who will be flying with him in his crate). He is such a sweetheart, am sure his new family will love him as much as we do.
- Age: 6 - 7 months
- Vaccinated: Yes
- Microchipped: Yes
- Spayed/neutered: Yes
- Good with other cats: Not older cats who want to chill, would need to be tested with a friendly playful younger cat.
- Good with dogs: Unknown
- FIV/FeLV: negative
His portrait will go to his new family as a thank you from me for giving him a good home. Big thank you also to Cat Rangers who agreed to take him under their wing.
UPDATE - Good news, Shadow flew to America on the 17th May to a great organisation called Cat Rangers, who help cats like Shadow find a forever home. I am very happy to report he has indeed now found a wonderful home and is now called Chester.
We still miss him (though our older cats don't) but am so pleased it all worked out for him. From being dumped on the streets of Qatar with a broken leg & tail to living in America, not a bad ending for this cute boy.
In his new home with his new friend - yes he is in the dogs bed, nothing changes, still the boss! Love you Shadow.