Nelson finds a new loving home

Legacies can live on in many forms, whether it’s looking after loved ones, leaving a gift in your Will or ensuring a much-loved pet gets to continue living a happy life after you’re gone.

A new start thanks to Cats Protection

That’s exactly how one-eyed Nelson found a new, loving family when his owner passed away. Nelson was a well-loved pet who came to Cats Protection's Tyneside centre with three other housemates.

Cat Guardians service

Nelson was brought to Cats Protection under the Cat Guardians scheme, which offers peace of mind to cat owners concerned about what might happen if they were to pass away before their cat.

Under the scheme, Cats Protection promises to take care of the cats and find the perfect new home after their owner’s death.

Nelson's eye issue

Nelson’s story got a bit more complicated when an ongoing eye issue worsened , and he was not responding to treatment. Vets decided on welfare grounds that the best thing for him was to remove it. Despite this, adaptable Nelson recovered and quickly got used to life with only one eye.

Emzi Frater, manager at Cats Protection Tyneside, says, “Throughout his treatment he never lost his loving, gentle temperament with staff and volunteers here in the Adoption Centre.”

Barbara's close bond with Nelson

He stole the heart of one kind and compassionate volunteer in particular, Barbara, who often lends a hand at the centre with socialisation, desensitisation, cat care duties, feeding and cleaning. When Barbara went home after meeting Nelson, she could not forget about him and the close bond they had developed from spending time together.

“He has such a loving, friendly temperament despite how uncomfortable he must have been with his eye”, says Barbara.

A new loving home for Nelson

As soon as a vet signed Nelson off, Barbara jumped at the chance to rehome him. Within days, he was on the way to his new home, and Barbara undertook the gentle process of gradually introducing him to his new housemate Jasmine. Following Cats Protection’s advice, settling in was no problem and Nelson made himself comfortable quickly. She now can’t imagine life without him.

The importance of gifts in Wills to Cats Protection

Nelson is just one of the 500 cats that Cats Protection care for every day.

Almost half of all Cats Protection cats are cared for thanks to gifts in Wills. Gifts in Wills also fund important schemes like Cat Guardians, allowing Cats Protection to continue supporting cat lovers.

Every gift left in a Will to Cats Protection, whether big or small, can help cats like Nelson with essential care, treatment and a loving environment.

Find out more 

If you'd like to find out more about leaving a gift to Cats Protection, the Cat Guardians service or Cats Protection's free Wills offer, please visit cats.org.uk/giftsinwills.

You can also contact Cats Protection by emailing giftinwills@cats.org.uk or calling 01825 741 271.