An eight year old cat named Ladder is looking for a specific kind of owner after spending five months in a rescue centre following the death of his previous owner.
The ginger moggy is currently staying at the Cats Protection Leeds Cat Centre in Gildersome, but has found life in an adoption centre difficult. This search highlights the ongoing challenge of rehoming inbetweener cats in West Yorkshire, where animals who prefer outdoor independence over being traditional house pets often wait longer to find the right environment.
Because Ladder can be unpredictable, his carers believe he would be happiest on a farm, smallholding, or stable yard where he can come and go as he pleases. Centre manager Laura Clews said: “Ladder is a really special cat who certainly knows his own mind. While he is generally fine around humans, he very much wants attention on his terms, so he needs an experienced owner who can understand his cues.”
The charity has had success placing similar cats in roles where they provide pest control or simply enjoy outdoor freedom with a safe shelter and regular meals. Laura Clews added: “Cats Protection has had great success rehoming ‘inbetweener’ cats – those who thrive with outdoor freedom, a safe shelter, and regular feeding, such as on a stable yard, farm, or smallholding. Many eventually bond with their carers while still preferring limited physical contact, and we are hopeful we can find Ladder just the right environment to cater for his needs.”
Ladder requires an adult-only home where he is the only cat, and he currently takes daily medication for arthritis mixed into his food. His new owners will need to be patient, as there is no guarantee he will ever want to become a full-time indoor pet.
Laura Clews said: “It may be that over time Ladder grows more comfortable being indoors, but any potential adopter needs to understand this may not be the case, and he may prefer to retain his independence. We will fully brief his owners on managing his post-adoption transition, and will be on hand to offer guidance and support.”
Anyone interested in offering Ladder a home can visit www.cats.org.uk/leeds or call 0300 012 1505.
