Rafa and Zayn were rescued from the streets of Dubai as 6 month old kittens, along with their mum and two sisters. While trying to rescue another cat in the area, we came across this little family, so decided to stop to feed them. It was clear from the start that these were extremely terrified little cats who had been through an awful lot in their short life. They were emaciated, dehydrated, filthy and very frightened. We were already at capacity within the rescue, so we fed them, gave them fresh water, and reluctantly went home without them. For the next 24 hours, we couldn’t stop thinking about them, so we decided to go back and find them and somehow make space. We returned, and there they were. Catching them was a process that required patience, as they did not trust us at all. But we managed to get all 5 cats and brought them safely home. We worked extremely hard to nurse them back to full health physically, but their fear of humans and generally the world around them has taken a lot longer to overcome. Zayn even has a couple of kinks in his tail where he has obviously been hurt, however this presents no long term health issues for him. Rafa sometimes has issues with his eyes being a little crusty, but this can be tackled with some simple eye drops - as long as he trusts you enough to let you do it!

Rafa and Zayn were rescued in October 2022, and flown to the UK in September 2023 together. At this point, despite working hard to gain their trust, they would still flee in the presence of any human and find the best hiding spot to feel safe. However, we decided to separate them from the other cats in our care so that they could have one-on-one human time to build trust and a sense of safety. The boys are extremely bonded, and rarely away from each other's sides, so we felt it best to keep them together.

While flying solo from the riff-raff of the other cats in our care that have larger than life personalities, they were living in a large bedroom with a solo human. She initially allowed them to have their own space so as not to feel as if they were being forced to form a bond with a human. With a lot of patience, understanding and time, they started to approach her of their own accord out of curiosity and she would be able to give them the occasional pat. Now, the occasional pat has transformed into a high demand for pats and fuss. In Rafa's case this includes tummy rubs, whereas in Zayn's case this includes being shouted at up close and personal until sufficient pats have been given.

Although they now trust their human almost completely, they still take a little convincing to trust any other human, so a calm home that can be understanding of their initial nervous nature would be ideal. However, once these boys trust you, you will never be left alone again!

Rafa and Zayn are, by nature, Arabian Maus; often described as 'puppies in cat's bodies'. When adopting an Arabian Mau, you get all the affection and loyalty of a puppy, with all the independence of a cat. Rafa and Zayn naturally embody the personality traits often associated with Arabian Maus: chatty, food oriented, wildly affectionate, loyal, often-times needy and intelligent. However, their tough start to life has formed an initial wall of cautiousness that will take some time to breach in order to experience their beautiful personalities. So a home that is understanding of this, and willing to put in the patience, effort and time to achieve this is a necessity.

Whoever has the privilege of adopting this extremely bonded pair of rascals will be an extremely lucky home, as the sense of gratification that comes from earning their trust is second to none. You will be the 'chosen one'. They would need to be the only cats, and are currently nervous of dogs - we have not integrated them with our dogs due to their skittish nature. We don't feel a home with young children would be best suited, and they must be indoor only due to their flighty nature. Once they are comfortable enough to show you their full character, they can both be quite vocal too, so any home that doesn’t mind a chatty cat is a must! So, preferably, an adult only home where they can be the centre of attention and finally feel safe and unconditionally loved. After all they have been through at such a young age, they truly deserve it.

Rafa and Zayn are available to take home immediately, once all of the relevant processes and checks have been completed. Their vaccinations are due once a year in February, so if you are reading this around that time of year there may be a delay so we can ensure they are vaccinated upon adoption.

Both boys are up to date on vaccines, neutered, microchipped and will come dewormed and flea-treated. They also come with their passports which detail all their relevant vaccination history. They have no medical conditions and are healthy, happy boys. You are also welcome to come and meet the boys, however we cannot promise they will be super forthcoming and will likely hide upon meeting you at first, but given the chance and with some time they will grow hugely in confidence and you will never look back!

• Fully vaccinated (FELV not included)

• Microchipped and registered with Animal Tracker

• Both neutered

• Both FIV/FELV negative

• Require an adult only home

• Preferably the only animals in the house

• Indoor only, or have access to a Catio or cat-proofed garden

• Born April 2022

• Rescued 28/10/2022

• Flew to the UK on 28/09/2023 & have been waiting for their forever home since

• Adoption fee applies  

• Currently located in High Wycombe

• Available to meet prior to adoption