Blind Date With a Cat

Te Herenga Waka student Milla Brown says there has been “so many benefits” since she began fostering Bella, a 17-year-old cat, through Cats Protection Wellington’s senior foster program last June. 

She described the long-haired domestic as “really good company” and a great source of emotional support as well as entertainment.

“She’s very cute, she’s very cuddly. She hangs around giving people cuddles, eats, sleeps—rinse and repeat.

“The good thing with an animal is that when you come home, they’re always happy to see you.”

Brown says the responsibility of caring for Bella has also been rewarding. 

“It’s great having something to get up for that’s not yourself. It’s all on you and there’s no one else to look after them.

“They’re cute and fluffy, but they’re hard work as well.”

She describes the process of adoption, which only took about three weeks, as “super easy.” 

“I went on the Cats Protection website and filled out this form, basically asking me what I was looking for in a cat.

“They assess your living situation and then basically match you to a cat. After that, you go in and meet them.”

Brown met with three cats before finding Bella, who met her three requirements: friendly, old, and happy to live indoors. 

Because Brown lives in an apartment, outdoor access was not an option, and energetic cats were off the table. 

“I also wanted an older cat because I’m not going to be in Wellington forever, I can’t make a 10-year commitment.

“It’s about what’s fair to the cat.”

Through the senior foster program, the only expense Brown is responsible for is cat food. As a medical foster cat, Bella must also visit the vet each month, with Brown providing transport. 

“Cats Protection pays for all their medical bills, any worming treatment, shaving, anything like that.

“Basically, Cats protection owns them, but they live with you.

“If you can’t have them anymore for any reason—if you’re moving to a new house and can’t take them—they will always take them back.

“Everything is done in the best interest to the cat.”

For that reason, Brown says Cats Protection will not place a cat with just anyone. She believes students living in party flats or leading busy lifestyles may not be well suited to fostering. 

“Cat’s usually like quieter environments.”

Brown’s landlord has been supportive of the arrangement. His only condition is that Bella is shut in another room when maintenance workers visit. 

Brown plans to care for Bella until the end of her life, as the pair have formed a strong bond.

“I don’t think I could give her back now. I’m too attached. I got her when she was 16, now she’s 17, nearly 18.

“Hopefully she’ll stick around for a bit longer. She’ll stay with me.”