From stray to snuggles: Bobbin’s journey

How patient fostering helped a nervous FIV-positive cat discover life - and love - indoors.

Before Bobbin came to Bath Cats and Dogs Home in April, he had been living as a stray. This handsome tom with his full cheeks was FIV-positive, recovering from an infected bite, and needed a cracked canine removed. Understandably, he was nervous and wary of people.

Because of his FIV status, Bobbin would need to live indoors for his safety and health - a big change for a cat who had likely spent his whole life outside. To give him the best chance, we placed him in a foster home to see how he would adapt.

Life in foster care

Kajsa, his foster carer, remembers:

“When Bobbin first came to us, we didn’t know what to expect - he arrived at BCDH as a stray and didn’t seem to have much, if any, experience with being around people. He was FIV-positive, which meant he would have to be an indoor-only cat. Because he had likely lived outside his whole life, we didn’t know how he would adjust or cope with this new environment.

We could immediately tell he was a very sweet and gentle boy who just needed some space and time to adjust. He spent his first week with us under the bed, and we gently tried to win him over by playing with him and simply being in the same room.”

Bobbin gradually gained confidence. First, he ventured out to eat his meals, then began exploring the house.

“After a few weeks, he decided it was finally time for some proper fuss - and when he pushed his head into my hand for the first time, it was like a switch had been flipped! He was purring, flopping over on his side, and it was almost as if he couldn’t believe what he had been missing out on,” Kajsa recalls.

From that point on, Bobbin became their “tiny shadow,” following them from room to room, meowing for the first time and showing off his affectionate, playful side.

“We knew he’d have no trouble finding his forever home - which he soon did. Although we were sad to see him go, knowing that there are many more cats like Bobbin out there, and how fostering can change their future, gave us some comfort.”

A happy ending

Six months on, Bobbin’s adopter Catherine shared this update:

“Bobbin has settled in really well and is adored by all members of my family (he knows he is too!!). Initially he was very anxious but it didn’t take him long to realise that he was loved and safe. He is a very playful, loving, flirty boy and will sit on anyone’s lap regardless of who it is, although his favourite lap is my partner’s. Bobbin will sit on the windowsill waiting for him to come back home from work.

He loves his food, so we have to keep an eye on his weight as he’s an indoor cat. Thank you so much for letting us adopt him and for a pleasant and smooth adoption experience.”

Why behaviour rehabilitation matters

Bobbin’s transformation shows the power of time, patience and the right environment. By offering a quiet foster home and letting him set the pace, his gentle nature had the chance to shine.

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