Snowy

Snowy was one of the most feral cats Nicky had ever encountered. Before her rescue, Snowy had been living a sad and solitary life. Her previous owner, struggling with mental health issues, had kept Snowy locked in a dark room without sunlight or human interaction. Snowy had never been outside and was even terrified of going near a window. The lack of socialization and proper care made Snowy aggressive and mistrustful of humans. When Snowy was brought into the Protected Paws rescue shelter, she was a ball of fury, attacking anyone who came near her. She had never known kindness or love, only fear and isolation. Nicky, an experienced fosterer, knew she had to do something. Snowy needed someone patience and understanding, and Nicky was willing to take on the challenge.

Over six months, Nicky worked tirelessly with Snowy. At first, it was tough. Snowy would hiss and swipe at anyone who approached. But slowly, with gentle persistence and a lot of love, Snowy began to change. She went from attacking everyone to sitting quietly with Nicky, even showing affection. Snowy's transformation was incredible. She started to enjoy the company of Nicky’s other cats and began to trust humans again. Nicky decided to adopt Snowy, knowing that no one else would be able to provide the care and patience she needed.

Nicky had been living in Hounslow for nine years, and her journey with cats was a profound and transformative one. She used to be terrified of cats after a traumatic experience eighteen years ago, where a friend’s territorial cat attacked her when she brought her dog over. This fear lingered until the pandemic, a time when Nicky felt an intense need for companionship due to her work. She began reading about feline behavior and temperament, realizing that the attack had been the owner’s fault, not the cat's. During the pandemic, Nicky began feeding many stray cats in her neighborhood, and started her volunteer journey when she found a colony of twenty-five feral black cats living nearby. Nicky had fostered three cats before she found Snowy, the most feral of all her foster cats.

After six months, Snowy’s behavior transformed under Nicky’s care, from aggressive and fearful to affectionate and trusting. Snowy’s bond with Nicky’s other cats, especially Sasha, grew strong, and she even began to enjoy their company. Nicky’s daughter thought it was crazy to adopt such a difficult cat, but Nicky knew that Snowy needed her. The longer the abuse, the longer the rehabilitation, and Snowy’s progress was a testament to Nicky’s dedication. Snowy was now an indoor feral, but she was safe, loved, and finally at peace.

Through fostering and volunteering, Nicky has become deeply involved with the cat rescue community. She works tirelessly, handling foster applications, advising new fosterers, and managing various administrative tasks. The work is demanding but incredibly rewarding. Nicky’s journey from fear to love for cats is remarkable, and her home has become a sanctuary for those in need, proving that even the most traumatized cats can be healed with patience and compassion.