The Unexpected Joy of Rehoming Wookie: A Journey of Love and Patience

What I’ve Learned From Welcoming This Big, Quirky Cat Into Our Family

I never knew I needed a cat in my life, but here we are! I’ve had lovely cats before, but it was my sister who nudged me to rehome the longest stayer at Whitby Wildlife Sanctuary, and at first, I laughed and said no. I had just moved into my new home in November 2023, and I loved the peaceful life I’d built with Ted. After a few uncertain years, our little home felt like the perfect sanctuary, and the last thing I wanted to do was disturb our peace with a big rescue cat.

But a week after my sister's suggestion, the advert for him popped up again. He had been returned, and something about it made me reach out to the charity to ask if he was still available. A week later, I was driving home with the biggest cat I’ve ever seen, Wookie (or Wookie B as his friends call him), meowing and hissing through the entire journey. I was nervous, wondering how he'd settle in. Ted was definitely not happy. What had I done?

Wookie was meant to be feral, but I highly doubt that—he was just one confident cat. The first few months were a learning curve. For the first four months, he hissed at us daily. I could barely pick him up without him swiping at me, but slowly, he began to trust me. After five months, I could carry him a few steps before he’d try to take a swipe, but by then, I was hooked.

The thing is, I never told anyone I was rehoming him. I just sent a message to all my nearest and dearests, saying, “Welcome to the family.”

Now, 14 months later, Wookie has completely made himself at home. He’s a proper character, and while he's never been interested in going outside, I can see why. He’s loved more than he could ever know. Everyone who visits falls for his quirky ways—he drools on them, nibbles their fingers, all while I tell them it’s all from a place of love!

Three things I’ve learnt from trusting my gut and rehoming Wookie

Patience is everything – Wookie didn't just walk into our lives and settle in like he’d always been here. It took time, trust, and a lot of patience. But with each passing day, I learned to understand his needs and quirks, and he learned to trust me in return.

Love transforms everything – I never could’ve imagined how a bit of love could change a cat’s whole world. What was once a shy, hissing ball of uncertainty is now a confident, affectionate member of our family. The love and care we give him has brought out the best in him.

Sometimes the best decisions are the unexpected ones – I never planned on adopting a big cat or even considered rehoming him, but life has a funny way of showing us exactly what we need when we least expect it. Bringing Wookie into our lives has been the most surprising and rewarding decision I’ve made in a long time."

If you’re looking for fulfillment and a heart full of love, then I truly encourage you to consider rehoming an older cat or dog. Their love and gratitude are unmatched, and the bond you create will be more rewarding than you could ever imagine.

Sending Love from Sprocket HQ

Sarah, Ted and Wookie

Ps I used pets at home for wookies initial hawl of essentials but I’m sure you have a local independant like Pickering pet store (I use these guys for everything now) that can help you buy the perfect bed.