When you picture a rescue cat, what comes to mind? A scruffy street cat with a tough past? Or perhaps an overlooked moggy hoping for a second chance? While many of our feline residents do fit these descriptions, we also see some truly striking pedigree cats coming through our doors. Sid, a stunning Birman with a silky coat and bright blue eyes, is one such example. But his story, and those of many others like him, reminds us that looks can be deceiving, and breed is no guarantee of a smooth home life.
Sid recently found a wonderful new home after becoming stressed and unsettled in his previous environment. Like any cat, Sid needed a quiet, predictable space to truly thrive. His story highlights a key point: even cats with show-stopping looks can find themselves in rescue when their needs aren’t fully understood or met.
From Birmans and Ragdolls to Bengals, Persians and even Sphynx cats, Little Valley regularly sees a surprising variety of pedigree cats needing new homes. Many are handed over because their personalities or care needs didn’t match what their previous owners expected. That’s why we always encourage potential adopters, especially those looking for a specific breed, to do their research.
Some breeds, like Bengals, are incredibly intelligent and high-energy. They’re beautiful, yes – but they can also be vocal, demanding, and easily bored, which can lead to behavioural challenges in a typical home environment. Others, like Persians (like Demelza) or Maine Coons (Like King), require regular grooming and coat maintenance. We’ve had Persian cats arrive in such poor condition that they’ve needed to be shaved completely before they could be made comfortable again.
And then there are breeds like Ragnar the Sphynx, which have their own unique needs, from regular skin care and warmth to careful diet management. They might look low-maintenance because they’re hairless, but they’re actually one of the most specialist breeds to care for properly.
It’s important to remember that while breed traits can give a general idea of what to expect, every cat is an individual. Sid, for instance, was a textbook affectionate Birman—but his tolerance for stress and change was very much his own. Matching the right cat to the right home isn’t about finding the prettiest face—it’s about understanding their personality, history, and needs.
At Little Valley, our adoption fees are the same whether a cat is a majestic pedigree or a scrappy, lovable moggy. We believe every cat deserves an equal chance at happiness. If you’re thinking of adopting, keep an open mind. Your perfect match might not be the breed you first imagined—but they’ll be exactly the cat you need.
RSPCA Little Valley Animal Shelter
Black Hat Lane
Bakers Hill
Exeter, EX2 9TA
