Saffy

We were asked to help in a rescue operation which involved 28 Siberian cats who were kept in appalling conditions and used as breeding machines. We took in one male cat and a pregnant female, who we have since called Marshall and Saffy.

The cats were kept in cages stacked on top of one other; Saffy was in a tiny cage, positioned directly next to the microwave. She was the worst of all of the Siberians as she had been passed from pillar to post. She was extremely scared and had very little human contact or social interaction with other cats - other than to be mated with. When she arrived at Hollyview, she was heavily pregnant and malnourished; her coat was also in poor condition.

After building her up, Saffy gave birth to four beautiful, healthy kittens, that we named Nancy, William, Morris and Myrtle. Saffy did a fantastic job raising them, and they have now all gone to their new homes. As Saffy has such a strong bond with Marshall, and has now begun to trust us, it was felt that Hollyview was the best place for her.

Saffy is only a very young cat, but she has spent all of her life as a breeding machine. We have gained Saffy’s trust as the weeks have gone on, and she has complete freedom at the Sanctuary. Saffy loves to play in the goat’s playground, though she never ventures too far. Saffy and Marshall are devoted to one another, and as a result will often be seen together, playing and head bumping each other. Whilst Marshall is more independent, Saffy will often be looking for him, as she lacks confidence, though we are sure this will develop over time.