Odin

In March 2022, we adopted a fluffy black bear of a cat, Emlyn. He had come to us a couple of months before as a foster, after he was surrendered to a local cat rescue from a difficult living situation. But it quickly became clear he had found his forever home with us. For a while he had the company of our neighbour’s elderly cat, Alfie, who loved to hang out with us. But very sadly, about a year later, Alfie’s mum had to let him go when he became very poorly.

We realised Emlyn was feeling lonely, so we decided it was right to get him a feline companion. And there was no question we would rescue a stray. 

I had been following @helpastraycat on social media for some time. They had posted about a little one-eyed tuxedo boy. They had rescued him - twice - in a really bad state. They did a poll to choose a name, and I had voted for Odin - the obvious choice in my view 😆 And Odin he became! He was up for adoption because being visually impaired and prone to infection meant he wasn't safe to go back onto the streets. He had already found a little place in my heart and my boyfriend and I decided he was just the friend Emlyn needed.

But there he was in Istanbul. How on earth could he get to us in Leeds? First things first - I contacted Help a Stray Cat to say we were interested in adopting Odin. They were so lovely and helpful. I filled in an adoption form. I needed to give a lot of information, but I completely understood that. They had spent many months and a lot of money getting Odin well. They were sending him thousands of miles away to a new home and they needed to be sure we would care for him properly. Sule can arrange a video call as well if they or the adopter want any further details.

We were delighted that they accepted us as adopters. We had to wait patiently because cats can't travel until a few months after key vaccinations and tests. And then they had to make all the arrangements for travel. Strict rules meant he couldn't fly straight to the UK. 

They fundraise the money to pay for their rescues to travel to their new homes. We’re fortunate enough that we could offer to pay for Odin's travel ourselves. And we decided to drive down to Harwich to pick him up - we made a trip of it and stayed over. 

So there we were, at 7am on a cool September morning, bleary eyed in the stark surroundings of Harwich International ferry terminal. A little bit nervous, but so excited to meet our little boy. 

He was such a good boy on the long drive back to Leeds, just chilling on the back seat with my boyfriend. Back home we had set up my office with everything he needed and where he could relax after his long journey and get used to his new surroundings. But he wasn't keen on being shut away for long! My biggest worry had been how he and his new big brother, Emlyn, would get on. I had read all the advice on introducing cats slowly. But after a night of meowing at each other through the office door - no sleep for me! - I took a risk and just put them together. To my delight, they took to each other pretty much straight away. They were properly bonded within a few weeks, chasing each other around the house, play wrestling and snuggling up together. They are wonderful companions for each other and bring us so much joy.

At the beginning of this year, the cat distribution system delivered us a stray tabby girl, found freezing in the snow in my neighbour's garden. So Odin has a little sister now too. It's been an interesting few months - she and Odin haven't been the best of friends, but they're getting there.

So if you're considering fostering or adopting one of Help a Stray Cat’s rescues, please don't think it will be too difficult. There will be a way. Be patient, you need to provide a lot of information and it does take time. But no matter what your home is like - a house or a flat, with safe outside space or not - there will be a cat for you. What they need most is a whole lot of love and someone who can commit to giving them the care they need. 

They have so many cats in their care who aren't safe to live on the streets. They need homes for them so they can take in others who desperately need their help. When you adopt or foster one of their rescues, you're helping two cats - the one who comes to you and another they leave space for to be rescued.

So go on, message Help a Stray Cat and see how you can give one of these precious souls a wonderful new life.