How a malnourished black cat nobody wanted helped a young woman rebuild her life in Scotland.
This Mental Health Awareness Week, one woman says adopting a malnourished rescue cat “changed her life overnight” – helping her overcome loneliness after relocating hundreds of miles away from home.
After moving to Edinburgh from the Wirral in September 2021, Emily, 28, was struggling with the change. Not knowing anyone, she felt lonely – until Binx came along.
Emily said: “We really wanted a black cat as they tend not to get adopted as much. It all happened within a week – we applied for him and then got him home within a seven-day window.
“I was so nervous to meet him. He was quite shy when we got there which is what you’d expect.
She really missed having that companionship
“We know that he came to be at the centre alongside two other cats but we know little about his previous life and where he came from. He does have a bite mark out of one of his ears so we wonder if he came from somewhere where he was having to fight for food – he was malnourished when he arrived.
Growing up down south, Emily had always had a cat in her life since the day she was born. Moving to Scotland, she felt that she really missed having that companionship.
“I didn’t really feel like my house was a home without a cat,” Emily explained.
“I also had just moved to Scotland the year before and was working remotely so I didn’t know anyone and felt very lonely. To me, having a cat was the best way to have that companionship. “It gives you a reason to get out of bed in the morning because you have a creature relying on you for food – I just really needed that to feel less lonely.
“Binx changed my life overnight for the better. Just having him by my side made me feel so much less lonely and also provided a confidence boost to go out. Having him rely on me to look after him definitely helped me look after myself more.
I would always choose a rescue pet
“I would always choose to rescue a pet – Binx already had a personality before we got him but I think just him feeling safe allowed that personality to come out. It is a learning curve and you do have to remember that these animals have been rescued for a reason but if you can show them that you’re safe, that you’ll look after them and that they’re loved, they do come out of their shells and they do become your partners.”
According to Pet MD, pets help to reduce feelings of loneliness and help to foster connection. They offer not just unconditional love but also a sense of purpose – which is what Emily found in Binx.
Inspired by Emily and Binx’s story? Visit the our Find a Pet webpage website to find out more about fostering or adopting an animal.
To report a concern of cruelty, visit our website.
