Bennie’s journey
Meet Bennie, a striking green-eyed 8 year old Bengal who arrived at Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter with a past that left him wary of people. With behaviours that we suspect were brought on in his early life, he hadn’t been well-socialised and found human touch difficult to accept—something that was unlikely to ever fully change.
When Bennie came to us in September 2024, he was one of the most reclusive cats in our care. He spent much of his time tucked away in hiding spots, watching the world from a distance. He wasn’t aggressive, just incredibly cautious. Staff worked patiently to help him feel safe, offering treats, toys, and gentle encouragement. Over time, he started to relax—at least in small ways. He would come out to play with certain people, chasing wand toys and showing glimpses of his personality. But physical affection remained off-limits. Even those he trusted the most couldn’t stroke him.
On top of his behavioural quirks, Bennie also had occasional asthma flare-ups, making it even harder to find him a home. We feel like potential adopters were put off by the combination of medical needs and a cat who preferred admiration from a distance rather than cuddles.
Bennie's home life
Despite these challenges, we’re over the moon to share that after four months at the shelter, Bennie has found a home with an owner who understands him.
His new owner says:
“Bennie is settling in well. He’s eating properly and there’s been no unwanted behaviour. He’s happy to come and sit with me on the sofa or play—as long as I stay fairly still and follow his lead! If I enter a room he’s already in, he’ll bolt, but if he enters a room I’m in, he’s okay. He absolutely loves his wand toy (when he’s in the mood), and surprisingly, he’s quite the chatterbox. He loves it when I talk back to him!”
Bennie’s journey wasn’t the easiest, but he’s proof that the right home is out there for every animal. Bennie has found a place where he’s respected and loved exactly as he is.
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