29/08/2025
Cinnamon’s story 🐈🍂
Cinnamon was called in on a cold August night.
No microchip or collar. And at first just a hungry shadow hoping to be seen by someone who could help her.
Fortunately, she’d picked the right house.
When she was offered kindness from a stranger she crept forward, melting into the softness of the hands that comforted her.
It was clear she’d been loved.
And her timing was perfect. We’d recently adopted two of our teenagers at HQ so she joined us within the hour.
Once settled, we confirmed her identity through photos and established her family had moved overseas 2 months prior. They had planned to rehome her but left the country before that happened. And although her story echoes one the rescue community may be all too familiar with, we feel it’s important to share its lessons should they reach someone in a similar position.
Firstly:
Thank you to her rescuer.
The kind soul who found her could have seen a nuisance or another mouth to feed. Instead they saw someone asking for help.
And took action.
Had she appeared at another house this may have been her final chapter.
Secondly:
The sudden loss of a family is a trauma that runs deeper than physical wounds.
For the first three years of her life she had people who cared for her, a reliable food supply, a warm bed and the security of a place she could call home. And when the life she knew disappeared, so did she.
When Cinnamon was offered the freedom to explore more of her foster home, without hesitation, she headed straight for the master bedroom, jumped onto the duvet and sunk into the pillows.
Her body relaxed, her face softened and the quiet contentment of a low rumbling purr replaced her unease of the unknown.
If she’d spent her former evenings swaddled in blankets and nestled among the people she trusted - perhaps this was in memory of a routine that helped her feel connected to them.
She did not forget how it felt to be loved.
Thirdly:
We understand people rehome for many reasons, and unfortunately the reality of how difficult it can be for adult cats is often felt by no one more greatly than the cats themselves.
If you’re in this position and have come to rehoming as your only answer, please do so mindfully.
Give it time - some adoptions are quick while others can take months of advertising to reach the right people.
Think carefully of what would make an appropriate home - is your cat savvy around roads? Do they respond well to other animals? - Ask what household they would thrive in and filter adoptive homes through this lense.
And please follow through with your commitment.
There is no pound, vet clinic or rescue more responsible than you are for finding your pet a home. They may be in a position to offer support, but it should never be expected to take that responsibility away from you.
Lastly:
If you’re looking to foster or adopt, consider a cat over a kitten.
This creates space in rescues to help the Cinnamons of this world who are just as deserving of a good life. Yet again 💕
Edit:
Her story is a cautionary tale, not a prosecution.
If it speaks to you, please share to encourage awareness or comment to help us find our seniors homes 🏡
