By Carole Dennett
An 18‑year‑old cat, who faced spending his final months in a vet’s cage, has instead found a loving Isle of Wight home, thanks to the swift teamwork of Friends of the Animals and kind‑hearted volunteers.
The charity was contacted by email, along with rescue centres in Portsmouth and Southampton, after the elderly neutered male was handed in. Although he was microchipped, every attempt to reach his registered owners had failed. For nearly four weeks he was advertised and flagged up with rescues across the region – but nobody came forward.
Then Friends of the Animals stepped in. A Facebook post quickly reached someone already known to the charity: Becky, who had previously adopted two older chihuahuas. She now has just one, who had lived happily with a cat until his feline companion passed away last year. Becky didn’t hesitate – she offered the elderly cat a home straightaway.
With a home secured, the charity set about organising transport. A volunteer in Portsmouth collected him and brought him across the Solent by hovercraft – even refusing reimbursement for the fare.
Becky was waiting on the Island for his arrival, and had already chosen his new name: Baby. “She loved him before even meeting him,” a spokeswoman for the charity said.
Baby settled in quickly. By that evening he was curled up on Becky’s lap, and on his first night he slept contentedly on her bed.
From an uncertain future in a veterinary cage to a warm, loving home, Baby’s story shows what difference teamwork and a little kindness can make – especially for older animals, who are often difficult to find homes for.
“We’re so happy we could help this elderly gentle soul,” the spokeswoman added.