James came in to our care along with his friend who he had always lived with. He was closely bonded with his companion and took comfort from him as he did not like people.

Shortly after 10+ year old James was rescued his companion sadly died.  James was devastated and sank into a deep depression, cringing, tense and miserable.  His unhappiness with confinement in a pen, where he couldn't avoid the humans he feared so much, made it worse and it became obvious that it would be very difficult to rehome him as he was.  So he was moved to a foster home where he could live 'as family' but he was only there a short while before one of our volunteers, who had met him when he was in his pen previously, adopted him.

She expected a long period of gentle persuasion and encouragement to ease James into acceptance of human contact.  Imagine her surprise when, after only a few weeks, he proved the life and soul of the party!  Whilst still wary of physical contact with his new owner, he adored her 3 other cats and soon struck up a particular friendship with fellow 'scaredy-cat' Monty.  Once allowed his freedom outdoors, James showed a talent for tree-climbing, leaf-chasing and bird-scaring beyond all expectations.  His lighthearted approach to life, cheeky and mischevious temperament and love of play surprised everyone.  Gone was the cringing, tense, frightened cat - this little fellow thought life was one long party.

He was having such fun that one day he decided his owner maybe wasn't so awful after all and allowed her to stroke him.  He found this was rather marvellous too and since that day has never looked back.  He adores to be massaged and stroked, rolling over and over with ecstasy and purring fit to bust.  He still dislikes being handled for anything unpleasant such as flea treatments or worming (there must be something nicer to be doing, he thinks).  Since he arrived life has been marvellous, he has given so much pleasure and laughter to his owner that she can hardly imagine life without him.

One tiny little niggle, though ... she thought it would be lovely if he would show the ultimate trust by coming onto her lap or snuggling up at bedtime.  If it never happened, she thought, never mind - I love him just as he is.  But it would be nice ...

And then one day, completely out of the blue, as she sat watching TV James trotted into the room.  It was Christmas time and he'd had a lot of fun playing with the tree decorations and pulling the ribbons and bows off the presents.  But, no, he hadn't come for another game - he marched up to his astonished owner and calmly, lightfootedly leapt onto her lap as though he'd been doing it all his life.  She hardly dared to breathe as he curled round, tucked his paws and tail in and settled down to sleep.  That night he leapt up onto the bed and curled up at her side, purring contentedly until he slept.  She thought it was the best Christmas present of all.

The moral to this tale?  Don't pass by that timid, cringing, unassuming, middle-aged cat.  Give him a chance - with a little care and effort he could turn out like James and become the best companion you've ever had.