Are you thinking about adopting a rescue animal? Or perhaps you already have? Adopting an animal for the first time can be daunting given it’s a big commitment.

But the reward of adopting a rescue animal and giving them a second chance is also one of the greatest joys you can experience in life. But just don’t take our word for it: here is what one of our adopters, Izzy, shared with us having adopted Snowy from us last year.

“Having grown up with cats my whole life, I knew that as soon as I could I wanted to adopt one of my own. When I moved into my own flat, I started looking at different rescue centres and stumbled across Mayhew via Fearne Cotton’s post in March 2024.

“I resonated with the ethos and mission of the charity and wanted to support an organisation that has taken care of our beloved animal friends for over 100 years!

“Every single person I interacted with at Mayhew was welcoming and friendly and most importantly, devoted to animals.

“I initially started looking at the cats available ‘to get an idea’ and within minutes, had found Snowy. I can’t say exactly why but I knew instantly that she was meant to come home with me.

“It was perhaps partially because she reminded me of my beloved cat Cookie (who is enjoying her retirement with my mum and who I miss dearly). I decided to put in an application on the spot and then waited anxiously for a call. At this point, I naively started buying bedding, treats and toys for her – I was just so excited!

“When Mayhew got in touch to say that she was still available but someone else was considering adopting her, I kept everything crossed that they would adopt another cat. Deep down, I knew that I could have fallen in love with any of the beautiful cats in care at that time, but I just knew that Snowy was meant for me and vice versa.

“When the call came to say I was now first in line, I ran down to Mayhew to meet her. It was the most incredible experience. She was shy initially and seemed wary of me, but as soon as I got some food out, she opened up and was climbing all over me. She even stayed on mine and my partner’s laps for a little while. I was besotted.

“A week or so later, which felt like months (!), I collected Snowy and took her home. I couldn’t believe how quickly she settled in. She was very inquisitive and checked every surface and spot to check it was safe.

“Once convinced, she settled down and even spent most of the evening asleep on our laps. I had assumed that she would remain scared for a few days, but it was clear that she felt at home and trusted me (and my partner). This made me feel even more convinced that she was meant to be my cat.

“Fast forward a year, and I can barely remember life before Snowy. She brings light to every aspect of my life. I’ve had a tough year with work stress and a bereavement, but Snowy never fails to calm my anxiety and put a smile on my face. Whether it’s her screeching for food and gently biting me awake at 6am, launching herself at me the second I sit on the sofa and immediately curling up on my lap, or her impressive athletic and acrobatic skills when a tin foil ball comes out, I adore every single thing about her.

“I would love to adopt another cat from Mayhew but sadly Snowy has made it very clear that she is to be an only child (cat) – she puffs her tail up at any cat that dares cross her path and even bit a small stuffed cat toy.

“I want to say a huge thank you to Mayhew for allowing me to adopt my beautiful Snowy. I hope that I won’t need to adopt another cat for many, many years, but when I do, I’ll definitely be back to Mayhew.”

We are so grateful to Izzy for sharing her heart-warming story with us. Have you adopted from Mayhew? If so, we would love to hear from you. Please do get in touch with your happily rehomed story here.

If you are looking to adopt, you can find all the animals in our care currently looking for a home here.