Thanks to our animal-loving sponsors
Rotherham, South Yorkshire
Rotherham, South Yorkshire
After 14 weeks in RAIN’s care, we are overjoyed to share that Chika, our beautiful British Shorthair, has finally found her forever home.
Chika’s journey to happiness wasn’t an easy one, but it’s a story that highlights both the resilience of rescue cats and the incredible impact of foster care.
Chika came into RAIN under very sad circumstances after her beloved owner passed away. Understandably, she was confused, scared, and overwhelmed by everything that had changed so suddenly in her world.
When she first arrived, it was clear she found the cattery environment too much to cope with. Because of how worried and shut down she was, we made the decision to place her into foster care so she could feel safe, supported, and begin to decompress.
She went to live with our wonderful foster carers, Sam and Andy, who gave her the time, patience, and kindness she needed to start coming out of her shell.
Sam said: “She thrives on fuss and tuna!!! and will make the most loving companion in the right home environment.”
And they were absolutely right.
While Chika waited for her perfect home, she spent 14 long weeks in foster care with Sam and Andy. During that time, they worked tirelessly to help her build confidence, feel safe again, and show her true personality.
Foster care is absolutely vital to the work we do at RAIN. Without foster carers, cats like Chika would struggle in a busy rescue environment where they cannot always show their best selves.
Because Chika was able to go into foster, another rescue cat was also able to take her place in the cattery and receive the care they needed. Foster carers quite literally save more than one life at a time.
After 14 weeks, the right application finally came through. Chika met her new family, who immediately understood that she would need time, patience, and gentle encouragement to settle in properly. They were fully committed to giving her exactly what she needed — a calm, understanding home where she could continue to grow in confidence.
We are delighted to share that Chika is settling into her forever home beautifully.
Her new family told us:
“She’s settled in amazingly and we’re so so proud of her. She was a shy girl at first and only came out from under the sofa for an explore in the evening and only came out for food when she was left alone in the flat. For the past couple of days she’s been out more than she’s been under the sofa, only hiding if anything spooks her. Even then, she comes out when she’s called, will run out and stare at me for her food, she’ll play with anything she can get her paws on and is absolutely loving fuss from both of us. She’s even come out for fusses when we have guests round and played with people she’s never met!”
Chika’s journey is a beautiful reminder that every animal deserves time, patience, and the chance to feel safe again. Thanks to foster care, she was given that opportunity — and thanks to her new family, she now has the loving forever home she always deserved.
A huge thank you to Sam and Andy for everything they did to help Chika on her journey, and to everyone who supports fostering at RAIN. Without you, stories like this simply wouldn’t be possible.
Chika’s story is only possible because of foster carers like Sam and Andy. Fostering gives animals the chance to decompress, heal, and show their true personalities in a home environment — and it directly helps us save more lives by freeing up space in our rescue.
We are always in need of more foster carers. Whether you can offer short-term or longer-term support, you could make a life-changing difference to a rescue animal just like Chika.
Click here to find out more about becoming a foster carer with RAIN and take the first step towards changing a life today🧡
When you buy a gift for a Rain Rescue animal, it will help us to provide the care the cats and dogs in our centre need.
Treat them to a cosy place to sleep, a treat and a toy, or nutritious food to keep them strong. It’s a great way to donate, thank you.
Founded in 2002, our charity has saved the lives of thousands of the cats and dogs most at risk in and around Yorkshire. Our rescue centre provides the space and support needed for these abandoned animals to recover, thrive and find a loving home.
