‘Inbetweener’ cat Poppet still waiting for a home after 113 days in rescue

A rescue cat who wants human company alongside plenty of freedom to explore is still waiting for a home after 113 days in RSPCA care.

Two-year-old Poppet has attracted little interest from potential adopters, despite staff believing the right owner could help his affectionate side blossom.

The grey and white cat arrived at RSPCA Martlesham Animal Centre in Suffolk after his previous owner could no longer care for him following a change in his temperament.

Staff describe him as an “inbetweener”, a cat who needs less human interaction than a conventional lap cat but is not fully independent like a feral cat.

For Poppet, the ideal home would offer room to roam and an understanding owner who will let him build trust at his own pace.

Initially reserved and unsure of his surroundings, he has gradually grown in confidence thanks to the patience of staff and volunteers.

As he has become more comfortable, his personality has started to shine through. Neutering has also helped him become calmer.

Now the charity is hoping someone will look beyond the traditional idea of a cuddly house cat and offer Poppet a lifestyle that suits him.

He needs an experienced owner who understands cats and their quirks, and who is willing to give him time and space to settle.

A spacious home with plenty of outdoor access could be suitable, as could a smallholding, farm or stables.

But staff stress that Poppet is not a typical farm cat who would prefer to keep his distance. He is likely to enjoy interaction with his new owners, making the right balance of companionship and independence essential.

Alice Potter, the RSPCA’s cat welfare expert, said: “One of the most interesting things about cats is just how varied each of them are. No one set home is going to fit all cats. Cats’ personalities are a varied spectrum with an affectionate, lap cat, an ‘inbetweener’ cat who needs less but still some interaction, and all the way to a feral cat who will happily live independently from humans.

“We know that our centres and branches often struggle to find homes for our farm or outdoor cats and one of the reasons is a lack of awareness amongst the general public that these cats need homes but enjoy living an outdoorsy lifestyle.”

Poppet’s appeal forms part of Adoptober, the RSPCA’s month-long rehoming campaign.

The charity says it is facing a rehoming crisis, with many centres and branches caring for record numbers of animals.

It is urging people who can offer suitable homes to consider adopting or fostering, helping free up space for animals rescued from cruelty and neglect.

To find out more about adopting him, visit https://rspca-suffolkcentral.org.uk/cats/poppet/