CLeo

Cleo is a very special little cat who has made remarkable progress during her time in foster care, although she remains an extremely nervous girl who finds unfamiliar situations and people particularly difficult. She's not the sort of cat who will immediately greet visitors, accept cuddles from strangers, or settle into a new home within a few days. In fact, Cleo is likely to spend much of her initial settling period hiding, observing her surroundings, and gradually learning that she's safe.

For the right person, however, the relationship that develops with Cleo could be extraordinarily rewarding.

When Cleo first arrived in foster care, she was incredibly anxious and spent almost all her time in one room. She was constantly alert to her surroundings, easily startled, and deeply uncomfortable around unfamiliar people. Her foster carer has spent a considerable amount of time earning her trust, and it took approximately a year before Cleo felt fully comfortable in their relationship. That patience has been rewarded with a wonderfully affectionate bond.

Cleo now genuinely enjoys her foster carer's company and has become something of a little shadow, appearing much more relaxed when he’s nearby. She's a sweet, funny girl who enjoys playing with toys, chasing a laser pointer, and watching the world go by. She also absolutely adores being brushed, which appears to be one of her favourite ways to relax.

Although she generally dislikes being picked up or handled, Cleo can be very affectionate when she's in the mood for attention. She enjoys cuddles on her own terms and has developed a lovely relationship with the person she trusts. Unfortunately, this affectionate side of Cleo is unlikely to be immediately apparent to potential adopters. She remains extremely wary of strangers and will often disappear into hiding as soon as someone unfamiliar enters the home. Even seeing people outside through the window can make her anxious. When workmen or visitors attend her foster home, she may hide immediately and remain there for several hours after they've left. She is particularly sensitive to loud noises, sudden movements, unfamiliar people, and changes in her surroundings. Her foster carer has found that maintaining a calm environment, speaking softly, and allowing Cleo to approach situations at her own pace can help her feel more secure.

Although she remains nervous, her confidence has improved significantly. She now regularly ventures into areas of the home that she previously avoided, including the hallway and kitchen, and can sometimes be encouraged out of hiding with gentle reassurance. Cleo's anxiety has occasionally affected her behaviour and wellbeing. She has a tendency to over-groom, which her foster carer believes may be linked to stress.

She also previously experienced some difficulties with toileting outside her litter tray. This was resolved by moving the litter tray into a more private, secluded location where she felt safe, and she has used it consistently since.

Her foster carer has also noticed that Cleo becomes more relaxed when they are home, suggesting that the presence of someone she trusts provides considerable reassurance. These are important considerations for potential adopters, who will need to understand that moving to a new environment may temporarily increase her anxiety and that progress may be slow.

Cleo currently lives alongside several other cats and is generally comfortable sharing her space with them. She particularly enjoys joining in when the other cats are chasing a laser pointer, although she tends to spend much of her time independently or with her foster carer. She is tolerant of other cats moving around her while she's resting, provided they're calm and respectful. She has, however, developed a difficult relationship with one particularly nervous resident cat, and the two generally avoid one another. We feel Cleo could live with another calm, confident, non-boisterous cat who won't overwhelm her. Equally, she could potentially be happy as an only cat with the right human companionship. Dogs haven't been tested, and given Cleo's significant anxiety, we don’t generally think a home with a dog would be right for her.

A quiet, predictable household is essential for Cleo. She would struggle in a busy home with frequent visitors, loud noises, or unpredictable activity. An adult-only home would likely be the simplest environment for her, although older, exceptionally calm children who understand the importance of leaving her alone could potentially be considered.

Her adopters must be prepared to allow her to settle entirely at her own pace. For some time, their relationship may consist primarily of providing food, maintaining her litter tray, and offering a reassuring presence without expecting affection in return. Cleo would also need several quiet, comfortable hiding places and a predictable daily routine.

Although she is most relaxed when her foster carer is present, she can manage a normal working day alone, provided her environment feels safe and secure.

When it comes to outdoor access, Cleo's nervousness makes unrestricted roaming unsuitable. Her foster carer is concerned that she could easily become frightened and run away if startled outside. She does show an interest in the outdoors and enjoys smelling the fresh air through an open window, so access to a secure garden or catio could be a lovely addition to her home. However, she is also perfectly content living entirely indoors with appropriate enrichment and safe places to retreat.

Cleo needs someone who understands that love and trust aren't always immediate. She may not greet her adopters enthusiastically for weeks or even months, and there will undoubtedly be moments when her nervousness makes progress feel slow. But behind that anxiety is a genuinely affectionate, funny, and playful girl who has already shown just how much she can blossom when she feels safe.

Her foster carer describes her as a joy to live with and wishes more people could see the beautiful personality that only those closest to Cleo currently get to experience.

For someone willing to give her the patience, stability, and understanding she deserves, Cleo has the potential to become an incredibly special companion.