Cat adoption in London, England Unknown Cat "Mahbooba"

For two years, while I was volunteering at a charity warehouse, a stray female cat would appear—always cautious, always keeping her distance. She was wild and timid, never letting anyone get too close. She would come for food, eat quickly, and then vanish as quietly as she had arrived. Over time, I watched her bring three litters into the world—twelve healthy kittens in all. With patience and care, I managed to rehome every single one of them, but their mother remained elusive. She never allowed us to touch her, so I was never able to get her spayed. I also worried that, if she had surgery, I wouldn’t be able to give her the medication she needed afterwards, and she would suffer in pain.

Recently, everything changed. The warehouse is closing, and I don’t know if the new owners will tolerate her presence. I couldn’t bear the thought of her being left behind, so I managed to trap her and bring her to my home, hoping my garden would be a safe haven where I could continue to feed and watch over her.

What happened next was nothing short of a miracle. Within days, this once-wild cat transformed. She became affectionate, seeking out strokes and cuddles, and for the first time, I heard her purr. I was amazed by how quickly she blossomed into a happy, loving companion. I never imagined she could change so much in such a short time.

But there was something I hadn’t anticipated. I already have a cat at home, and I thought the stray would simply come for food and stay outside. Instead, she began letting herself into the house, and my own cat became terrified. Even when the doors and windows are closed, the stray waits outside, hoping for a chance to slip in. My house cat has stopped eating, is being sick more often, and spends all her time hiding in the back room—so unlike her usual playful, adventurous self.

To make matters even more complicated, the stray is now pregnant again. I saw her mate with a neighbourhood cat, and I fear she is planning to give birth in my home. I worry this will be too much for my own cat, who is already so anxious and withdrawn.

I have always cared deeply for this cat, whom we named “Mahbooba”—it means “the one that is loved.” I only want the very best for Mahbooba, and it breaks my heart that I cannot be her permanent home. If I keep her, I know my own cat will continue to suffer.

Please, I am asking you to consider my situation as an exceptional case. Mahbooba has had such a hard life, and she deserves a safe, loving home. I cannot bear to give her away, but I have no choice—she has become a house cat with nowhere to truly belong.