On the 18th of March 2022, the time approaching 1.00 am, the place: a cold, dark and damp Tesco’s car park near Heathrow… volunteers from Felines 1st sat and waited…
We hoped it didn’t look too suspicious that a group of varied people, some in couples, some single, were hanging around in said car park, trying to keep warm and not appear to be “up to something”, other than to collect some new arrivals…
What was really going on…
In fact, all were awaiting to collect cats from Cyprus, 7 in total, via a Cyprus cat Rescue. The two wonderful cats being brought back to the UK coming into Felines 1st’s care, were owned by a wonderful and loving owner, who despite being of advanced years and in poor health (the reason the kind Lady was returning to the UK), would not, even in these difficult circumstances, let her beloved cats become homeless, and most likely end up on the street fending for themselves.
A very long wait…
Various delays meant that the arrival time had been pushed back; they were originally due to land in the UK at 6 pm. First the flight was delayed by two and half hours, and then customs paperwork meant that the time drifted from a 10 pm to midnight collection time, and then “ hopefully” to “before 1.00am”… All the while the cats were waiting in their transport crates. When they finally got to the Animal Reception Centre at Heathrow, they were checked over to ensure they were fit for their inward journeys.
Making new friends…
After parking in the car park and eventually “sussing” each other out – we found it best to make a bit of a “show” of getting out our cat baskets, hoping to make it obvious to the other car occupants why exactly we were there. The more direct way, Rosie found, was to approach what looked like “cat people” in their cars, sporting her bright purple Felines 1st fleece… Luckily she is a good judge of character and picked well!
After the meetings, the chats, the “ where do you come from?” and swopping of cat stories… the cats finally arrived in two cars fresh from customs. Suddenly we found ourselves receiving our precious charges at 12.50 am.
Homeward bound…
Cats Derek and Duke had the comparatively short 45 mile trip to our stalwart fosterer, Sue. Other cats had longer journeys to further destinations across the UK.
If only every cat had caring and compassionate owners like Derek and Duke, our work would be so much easier… The whole family have been amazing and so supportive throughout the whole process.
Derek and Duke will be available for adoption on our rehoming page very soon.