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RSPCA's 'Loneliest Cat' Facing Second Christmas Without An Owner

RSPCA's 'Loneliest Cat' Facing Second Christmas Without An Owner

The cat was taken into the charity's care last Christmas Eve

Jake Massey

Jake Massey

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' (RSPCA) 'loneliest cat' is facing another Christmas without a home after going 322 days without being adopted.

Toby, an 11-year-old black and white cat, was taken in by the charity's Canterbury branch last Christmas Eve, but is yet to find a new home.

Toby has been held back by his shy nature.
RSPCA

He was one of 46 cats rescued from a house, 15 of which were taken into the care of the RSPCA. But while, the rest have all been adopted, Toby remains at the Canterbury branch almost a year on.

Ordinarily, it takes 28 days for a cat to find a new home, but it seems Toby's shy nature has held him back.

According to The Independent, Beth Hixson, from the RSPCA Canterbury branch, said: "Toby's former housemates were re-homed quite quickly. But poor Toby didn't cope well with being in the cattery so hid away and wouldn't come out to see people when they came to choose a cat.

"We found a foster home for Toby where he has proven to be a sociable, friendly and interactive cat. He loves to snuggle up on the bed at night and spend sunny days exploring the garden, he just needs to find a home where he can enjoy doing this for the rest of his days."

Fortunately, it seems the media attention given to Toby's sad tale may have ensured that he doesn't spend this Christmas alone after all.

The phone has been ringing off the hook at the Canterbury RSPCA branch since Toby's story started making headlines.
RSPCA

In a post on Facebook, the Canterbury branch of the RSPCA said: "So this guy is totally unaware of how famous he has become today!! Toby here has sadly made the national news and radio today for being the loneliest cat this year.

"He came into our care Christmas Eve of last year and almost a full year later no one has chosen to permanently adopt him despite being a lovely boy and his foster family doing a brilliant job of helping to bring him out of his shell.

"Rather overwhelmingly the phone has been off the hook with offers of adoption from wonderful people from across the country (we can barely cope so bear with us!) so we really are starting to believe this Christmas will be totally magical for Toby!"

So, great news - he may not be lonely much longer. Bad news - if you've got your heart set on taking him in, it sounds like a bit of a queue has formed.

Featured Image Credit: RSPCA

Topics: uk news, Animals, Cats