The RSPCA south London branch sees animals come and go year in and year out, but there are always a few who they struggle to send to forever homes.
Right now, Elvis and Persephone the cats are the south London RSPCA branches longest staying animals.
Persephone the cat has been with the RSPCA south London the longest, joining the branch back in October 2022.
Her owner was keeping her locked on the balcony after deciding that they no longer wanted to keep her.
She was placed in a foster home where she settled well at first, but then started urinating and drinking water more than usual.
Soon afterwards, a vet diagnosed her with diabetes.
Because this is a pre-existing condition, the RSPCA would cover the costs of medications and appointments for her diabetes for whoever adopted her.
However, she is described by the branch as “lovely” and a “sun worshipper” who loves curling up in a patch of warmth.
Another cat who has been with the RSPCA south London for a long time is Elvis, who came to them in February this year after his owner could not afford to keep him.
Unfortunately, he has had no interest so far.
He has been in foster care for a few months and it took him a while to gain some confidence.
Elvis used to hide on top of the fridge but now he loves to watch a nature documentary with his foster carers.
The RSPCA has described him as a “cheeky” cat who loves to sit in a plant pot and watch the birds.
If you think you could offer either cat the home they deserve please do get in touch by emailing enquiries@rspcasouthlondon.org.uk.
The RSPCA has detailed full descriptions of both cats below for anyone interested in adopting these overlooked pets.
Persephone the cat
“Persephone came into us in October last year after her owner was keeping her locked out on her balcony after deciding she no longer wanted to keep her.
“We placed Persephone in a foster home where she initially settled in well, but soon started showing concerning behaviours like urinating and drinking more than usual.
“After being checked by a vet she was diagnosed with diabetes.
“We now have Persephone's insulin levels just right and she takes her injections so well.
“Luckily, she's a foodie so is easy to distract when she needs her twice daily injections.
“Persephone is a lovely cat to be around, a real sun worshipper.
“She loves sleeping in a warm patch and looking out of the window at the outside world.
“Her foster carers have told us how quirky and feisty she is despite her mature years, and how she is a very colourful character to have around the house.
“As the diabetes is a pre-existing condition, the RSPCA south London Branch will cover the expense of the insulin, syringes, sharps bin, and any related vet appointments required to keep this condition managed throughout her life.
“There is a slight chance that she could go into remission, especially as the diabetes was caught early.
“Her previous owners told us she was 14 years old, but she looks and behaves like a much younger cat.
“We are considering an indoor living situation for her so that her diabetes can be easily managed, but don’t worry if you think your living situation might not be suitable as we would like to consider all of our options.
“We do think however that she would prefer to not live with other cats, and possibly not with dogs either.”
Elvis the cat
“Elvis came to RSPCA South London after his owner could no longer afford to keep him.
“We've had him since February and have not had any interest in him unfortunately.
“He's been in foster care for a few months now, where it did take him a while to feel confident.
“At first he would hide on top of the fridge, but now he loves to watch TV with his fosterers, he loves a nature documentary!
“He has his own special chair which he gets very grumpy about if someone else takes it!
“He’s a cheeky boy and loves sitting in the plant pot and likes watching the birds and bugs outside.
“We’d love to be able to find a loving, patient home for Elvis where he can learn to trust again and truly be himself.
“Elvis is seven years old and would prefer to be the only cat in an adult only household.”
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