It was dark.
We were led around the outside of the house to a shed, accompanied by loud barkings and the sound of straining leashes.
The lady unlocked the shed door and led us into a cold, gloomy interior. Cages were stacked two or three high, and most were occupied. Our arrival was greeted with a chorus of startled cat noises. Many of the animals were kittens, and most of them sat up to see what was going on. Some put on little performances, rolling over and over, flashing their bellies. Cute, but we weren't there to see them.
There she was in front of us - Sparkle. Slightly older than most of the cats (indeed she was mother to some of them), she blinked and stretched. She wasn't particlularly pleased to see us, but then why would she be? She's been badly treated by humans her whole life so far. Her arrival at the rescue shelter hopefully marks a turning point for her, and the start of a comfortable, happy life (no pressure on us, then!).
We eased her into her new cage (which she will grow to hate; it will only be used for trips to bad places like the vet or the cattery) and popped her into the car. After a flurry of protests, she settled down for the journey home.
Fiona and I were very excited to have a cat, but for the first couple of hours she just hid under a table! She's terrified, even now. She has explored the house a bit, and chose to sleep with us on our bed the first night. She likes beds. In fact she now hides in the spare bed every morning, refusing to leave it until mid afternoon. At least she knows what to do with a litter tray!
I hope she settles down and relaxes soon. I'll let you know.
