A beautiful Maine Coon who needs quiet, patience and the chance to feel safe again
Belle is a friendly, sensitive cat whose confidence was badly shaken after she escaped and went missing. A peaceful indoor home could help her find herself again.
“Belle needs someone who will measure progress in trust, not in days.”
Belle as a kitten, already bright-eyed, fluffy and completely irresistible.
Belle has been loved by the same family since she was eight weeks old. She grew up surrounded by people, cats and dogs, and she has always been a beautiful, gentle presence in the home.
Last year Belle accidentally got out and was missing for several days. She came home, but her confidence did not come back with her. She began hiding, seeking high or enclosed places, pulling at the fur around the back of her neck and losing weight and condition. Her coat and weight are slowly improving, but a busy multi-pet home is no longer bringing out the cat her family remembers.
Belle is still friendly. She sits close to people, accepts grooming beautifully and interacts perfectly well with other cats. She is also completely unbothered by dogs, whether they are giant or tiny. Wanting Belle to be the only cat is not because she dislikes other animals. It is because she needs a home that feels completely hers, where she can learn to trust again and know beyond doubt that she is safe.
Her family desperately wanted to keep her, but they believe a quiet indoor home, with patient attention offered on her terms, gives Belle the best chance to regain her confidence and thrive.
The home she needs
Where Belle can thrive
Indoor only, without exception
Belle must not be allowed to free roam. A secure, carefully managed indoor home is essential because she may bolt and hide if she escapes.
Quiet and predictable
A calm household with gentle routines, few surprises and plenty of time to settle at her own pace.
The only cat, for her confidence
Belle likes other cats and interacts with them just fine. She should be the only cat because she needs undivided safety, space and attention while she learns to trust fully again.
Patient, low-pressure affection
Someone who will offer company without forcing contact, provide safe hiding places and celebrate small signs of growing confidence. Belle would ideally live with someone who is home for much of the day. A normal working-hours absence five days a week should still be manageable, provided she then has plenty of company in the evenings and at weekends and is not routinely left alone then too.
Everyday life with Belle
Affection
Usually sits close by rather than on a lap and prefers contact on her own terms.
Grooming
Voluntarily accepts grooming with little or no restraint.
Handling
Does not enjoy being picked up.
Safe places
Likes high positions, cupboards and quiet places where she can observe without being crowded.
Other cats
Likes cats and interacts with them perfectly well, although her best new home is still one without another cat.
Dogs
Completely unbothered by dogs, from giant Newfoundlands to the tiniest family dogs.
Honesty matters
Things to understand before enquiring
The right adopter deserves the whole picture, and Belle deserves someone who is ready for it.
Belle's confidence, weight and coat condition changed after she was missing for several days. She is slowly regaining weight and her coat is recovering, but her full history should be discussed with Cats Protection and the adopting vet.
She is easily startled and may take time to recover. When frightened she hides, so her new family must prevent escapes and give her safe, accessible hiding places indoors.
She is microchipped, vaccinated, wormed and flea treated. She has no recorded ongoing medical condition and will be neutered before rehoming. Cats Protection will confirm all final health arrangements.
She has not had contact with children. A quiet adult home is likely to suit her best, and any different household should be considered carefully with Cats Protection.
No payment to the family
Please let Belle's adoption help another cat
Their family will not ask for or accept any money for them. Instead, we ask their new family to please make a generous donation directly to Cats Protection Aberystwyth & District, alongside any adoption fee or arrangements required by the charity. It is a lovely way for one happy adoption to help provide food, shelter, veterinary care and a new home for the next cat who needs them.
Contact the Aberystwyth & District Branch and mention Belle. Their team will explain the next steps, consider your household and help decide whether the match is right.
