Hiya, I’m Garfield.

As you can see I’m a stunning little fella at 9 years young. My story you will want to know, I’m sure.

I was once someone’s beloved cat but I’m not quite sure what’s happened! I was found wondering the streets of Romford, yep I’ve come along way to meet you all. People were being as kind as they could be and feeding me, until one day a very lovely lady took me home to try and help. Sadly I don’t think that her cats liked that idea or me, so she reached out  to FOF and then drove me all the way to them, wasn’t that nice of her, I will never ever forget her kindness.

Auntie Penny then took me straight to the vets as to be fair I wasn’t looking my best! I had lots of abscesses from trying to survive with other cats. I’m not trained in fighting like Keanu Reeves so unfortunately I always came of worse for wear. I’m a lover not a fighter. It also turned out I needed to have eight teeth removed

I’m now back safe and sound at the rescue centre and even with all those teeth removed I’ve still managed to polish off seven sachets of food already. The lovely vet said I’m a tad skinny and underweight, so I’m working on this now!

Despite all of this I’m just a ridiculously affectionate little guy and all I want are cuddles and love. I’d really love a brand new home all of my very own where I can rest my head and have a second chance at life.

 I’m not sure how I would be with dogs but maybe a really nice calm one that wants to be my friend would be ok. Other cats as long as they don’t want to pick on me it would be ok, but older children or adults only, please and thank you.

If you could be that wonderful forever home, it would be like winning the lottery. I promise you won’t regret it and we’d be BFFs in no time.

 We received this wonderful letter from Garfield's rescuers

Dear Garfield aka Bouillabasse,

I’m so happy we finally were able to get help for you. When we moved to Ilford 7 years ago, I first saw you skulking through the streets. I wondered who you were, where you were going and where you were from. You walked unphased and with a swagger, but with your tail down and the tip bent. You were covered in scratches and bite marks. You were handsome and tiger-like, but so scruffy and dirty. I wondered where you ate, where you slept and if there was anyone who loved you. The times you would fight with Leo and we would rush him to the vet, I wondered if there was anyone who would be there to make sure you were okay. The times that Lyra would hiss and scream at you, you would turn away unbothered and cross the road to mark your territory. You seemed like you just went through the motions every day of being an unneutered tomcat.

My heart broke when I would see you wandering our neighbourhood, spraying every tree, bush and car with a glazed look in your eye. If you knew any better, you probably would wish you had a quiet life in someone’s lap by a warm radiator or fire. You probably wished you could curl up next to them in bed and receive love and cuddles. You probably would have liked to not have to fight everyday and mark your territory. You would appreciate a kind family who would value you for the beautiful, sweet natured animal you are….

I am so sorry I had to trap you in the carrier that Saturday 17th February. I knew I had one chance to figure out how to give you the life you deserved. I know from my own work that when we see a human in need, we help. So I knew that, even though I had no plan, I needed to make sure you would get the help you needed. You looked so sick, so thin and walked with a limp. The abscess near your ear look infected. I wasn’t sure if you had just had another fight, or if you were getting to a point where you weren’t able to outrun illness anymore. We were so sad to see you in this state, roaming our neighbourhood without anyone to love and cherish you. And so I went for it…leading you into the carrier with dreamies and shutting the door. I know you were so scared, but I kept telling you I was sorry and that I was going to help make things better.

You cried all the way to Braintree and broke our hearts. You probably wondered who we were….why we had tricked you ….and what was going to happen to you. When we finally got to the vets, I knew you were going to be okay. Their kindness and compassion came through - and I felt relieved when the vet said that you were ‘a lovely boy’. When we heard from Friends of Felines and saw how impressive, compassionate and robust their rescue efforts are, I felt at ease that you really were in the best hands. You weren’t going to roam the streets of Cranbrook, Ilford anymore…you would have a nice life outside of the city, with space and with peace.

Well Garfield, I know that we are always going to remember you and will think about you often. We wish the absolute best for you and know that you will have the happy ending you always deserved.

And on a final note to Garfield’s new family….

You have adopted a survivor, a fighter and the most down-to-earth tomcat in our neighbourhood.

He might have fought with the cats, but the many people who knew him only knew him to be a melancholy and gentle soul to humans.

Please cherish him and love him deeply…. He is a truly special person and we will be sending all our love and positive energy for him to have a wonderful life with you.

Much love to you Garfield

Mythili and Jon