CALLIE

Callie is a two-year-old calico sweetheart with teddy-bear fur and a personality that grows more charming by the day. Rescued from a colony, she’s now living her best life in foster care, discovering the joys of sofas, safety and being adored. She’s still finding her feet, but every day brings a new little victory — a bit more trust, a bit more confidence, and a bit more affection.

She’s a calm, gentle girl who prefers to keep things on her terms. Being picked up isn’t her favourite activity (she tolerates it with the enthusiasm of someone politely enduring a hug from an aunt they barely know), but she’s slowly getting used to it. Lift her for a quick kiss and she’ll pause politely before asking to be returned to the floor — fair enough.

Lap cat she is not… yet. But she’s edging closer every week. She used to keep her distance; now she settles right up against her foster parents, leaning into them like a little furry hot-water bottle. She’s clearly thinking about taking the next step — she just wants to be sure it’s her decision, thank you very much.

Playtime is where her cheekiness comes out. She loves her fishing-rod toy and the tiny balls her foster parents throw — though she likes to pretend she’s “above all that” before launching herself at the toy like a tiny calico missile. When she gets excited, she gives soft little nibbles, totally harmless and very sweet. She’ll also give gentle “love bites” to hands, ankles and feet — always controlled, always soft, never anything more than her funny little way of joining in.

Tall cat trees aren’t her style (jumping isn’t her strong suit), but give her a good scratching post and she’ll happily stretch out on it for half the day. She’s incredibly clean, naturally smells lovely, and carries a bit of extra chub — the cute kind that makes her look like a plush toy come to life.

She’s strictly an indoor cat, though very interested in the garden. A secure catio would probably make her think she’s won the lottery. Her feelings about other animals are a mystery; the few cats she’s spotted outside she’s tried to chase off from behind the safety of her window — very brave when the glass is doing the hard work.

Callie is gentle, sweet with visitors (they get love bites too), and needs a calm home with people who understand that affection doesn’t always mean being smothered in cuddles. Long stroking sessions aren’t her thing, and being carried around is a no for now. But she shows her love through her presence, her nudges, her quiet closeness — the subtle, heartfelt gestures of a cat who’s learning to trust again.

She previously had FIP, completed treatment brilliantly, and is now fully recovered and thriving. She’s also FIV and FeLV negative, healthy as can be, and doing beautifully in foster care.

With patience, kindness and a peaceful home, Callie will continue to blossom. She may even become a lap cat one day — she’s already halfway there, weighing up the idea as we speak. She just needs someone who will let her grow at her own pace, celebrate her quirks, and enjoy every small, sweet step she takes.