Happy Endings 

Bluebell

 

 

Bluebell was an abandoned pet living in the gardens of a residential estate.  We were asked to help when she moved her two week old litter of four into a garden and the home owner found them later that day.  It was clear why she'd had to move the kittens from their original nest - one had obviously been attacked by either a cat or dog and very sadly died the next day from its injuries.  In our care Bluebell was a loving and affectionate little cat but she remained defensive over her kittens if ever another cat came too close.  We looked for a home where she would be the only cat so that she could truly relax and enjoy home comforts without conflict and were delighted when Jeanne and Chris offered her a home.  Here's what they have to say about this lovely, brave little cat. 

We have now had Bluebell 3 months and she has been a delight. She is still very kittenish in her behaviour and loves to play. She also often does things without thinking first like leaping onto my laptop and skidding straight off as if she is on a skateboard. She never takes the logical route across the floor when she can leap from table top to chair arm or side board, often at top speed, when she comes into the house.

She loves to be out in the garden and happily uses the cat flap in the back door. We are surrounded by families of other cats but Bluebell isn't phased by them and has quickly seen them off her territory. She is quite a feisty little cat when it comes to other felines. Next door has a stray Tomcat which has been known to terrorise the others in the neighbourhood. Bluebell has stood her ground with him and my neighbour has told me that her cats have had fewer problems with him since Bluebells' arrival.

Despite this she is very gentle in the house and although she has not yet chosen to sit on our knees, she readily purrs and is very friendly with visitors.   We have had no problems with her settling in with us and the house is a happy cat's house once again.

 Jeanne and Chris (10 February 2012)


Salem and Cobi 

 

Two more timid cats who have been lucky enough to be chosen despite their nervousness and who are now living a life of luxury with their doting owner.  Here is their happy update (22 January 2012)

Coby, Salem and I are getting along fine.  The first week was tough because they did hide all the time but things are much better now. They are both very inquisitive and this often gets the better of them when I'm working in the office!
 
Coby (black/white) is definately the 'leader' but Salem is the little rascal, often tormenting Coby, and is very funny when he's having his nightly mad half hour.
 
The first few nights were interesting as they seemed to enjoy singing at the top of their voices in the early hours! It took alot of will power for me to stay out of the room...anyway we're over that now.
 
Both of them come running when it's feeding time and let me stroke them which causes them both the flip onto their backs for tummy tickles but they still don't like being picked up :o(
 
The office has many things for them get upto mischief with - Coby managed to change the orientation of my laptop from landscape to being on it's side - I had to spend 20 mins with my head cocked using Google to change it back. He also loves to sleep on top of the printer where the paper comes out and taking paper out of the shredder! 

This weekend because they have been so good I've let them go into the living room - Coby hides for a while behind the sofa but can't resist sitting in the window looking at all the comings and goings. Salem spends most of his time playing up and down the stairs and running round as fast as he can.

 
They are now following me around especially when they see me going into a room where they've still not been able to investigate.  

Debbie (22 January 2012)  

 

 

Hetty and Homer

 

 

These two cats were abandoned when their owner moved away.  Hetty produced a litter of kittens in the garden and unfortunately, before we could find foster space for them, the RSPCA removed the 5wk old kittens but left Hetty behind. She spent several days searching for her babies which was a pitiful sight to see, and it wasn't long before four unneutered tom cats were following her around attempting to mate again.   Luckily a kind lady was feeding the cats and brought her unhappy situation to our attention.  We were able to eventually take Hetty and Homer into our care, and trapped and neutered one of the males.  The remaining two have been elusive and still need to be trapped and neutered.  After a while in our care these two loving cats were offered a wonderful home.  Here is their update.

The cats are having a great time here.  We kept them in the living room for about a week, then slowly introduced them to our other 2 cats. A bit of hissing and growling to start with, but they all seem fine now. Our shy cat has actually come out of her shell since Hettie and Homer (Oscar) arrived. Our new cats have settled in very well; they are the most loving pets I have ever seen. They have their giddy hour about 9pm, when they play fight, and chase each other all over the place.

I am enclosing some photos for you to use; we DO have a very happy ending!  

Anthony and Wendy (4 December 2011)

 

Felix 

  

Felix was fostered by a volunteer of Feral Cat Welfare when he was seen being kicked into the air by his owner.  A passer-by intervened and offered to take Felix, then contacted FCW.  We had no room to take him but our volunteer made an extra effort and settled him into her porch.  He was eventually rehomed, despite his tendency to nip - something he had probably learned to do in his previous home to defend himself.  Here is a lovely update from his new owners (26 October 2011)

 

Felix has settled well into his new home. At start he was a little wary of who he was with but within a few days he was very comfortable around us. Recently we let him go out and adventure, and as we live in the countryside he absolutely loves it!! We didn't know how much he loved his cat nip mouse and Mr Potato Head glasses that came with him when he was delivered by Feral Cat Welfare; he goes crackers with them! Shutting the cat flap is necessary as he wants to go out all the time.  He has a very mischievous personality and he's always up to something. But his warm, loving personality lights up the room and makes you want to cuddle him! Felix loves his cat treats and is so energetic at night-time, shooting from the stairs to the kitchen within half a second! But in less than half an hour he flops out on his favourite rocking chair for the rest of the night. We love having him with us! 

Peter, Anne, Emma (26 October 2011) 


 Fred and Ginger

Fred and Ginger were 8mth old male and female semi-feral kittens that were struggling to survive along with other feral cats in the streets of Leeds.  Although they had been taken in for neutering and socializing they were remaining timid and untouchable.  Fortunately they were offered a home where their main job would be to deter the rabbits from eating the foliage of an ornamental garden and they have taken their new responsibilities very seriously!  They are also becoming much more confident with their "employer", Alison.  

Below is a photo taken from a distance after the first few days showing the two cats looking with interest at their new home from the safety of their outbuilding.  A mesh door was fixed to the door frame and the kittens were confined four weeks while they adjusted to the move.

 

 

Alison has just sent us this update about Ginger who has discovered the benefits of trust! 

"Great, isn't it! She won't be stroked or touched by a hand, but over the last three days has started to rub against my legs, come and sit on the sofa with me - and today curled up on my lap, purring.  Her brother is still pretty wary, but he's gradually getting a little less nervous around me.The rabbits have found pastures new, and the cats are catching mice aplenty. A great success!  

Alison (23 August 2011)

 

       

 

 

Tigerlilly

 

Visitors to the site may remember Tigerlilly, an affectionate five year old cat who had spent the past four years giving birth to kittens, twice a year.  Her owner eventually wanted to rehome her, but she was already pregnant and had another litter of kittens in our care.  She seemed to be literally drained of energy and although she did a good job rearing her kittens it was clear she also wanted to get away from them.   As soon as her kittens were weaned she was spayed and rehomed.  Here is her lovely update:  

Tigerlilly has settled so well it feels like she has been with us for years. She is a true lady and full of character. She loves to sit on the chair arm at night or curl up on my knee to enjoy strokes. She is so affectionate and gives regular kisses. She still squawks like a bird which is funny, but just adds to her character. Tigerlilly will eat until she pops and loves to follow you around the kitchen.

Tigerlilly loves company and sitting in the window watching the world go by. She curls up in her bed now and purrs the hours away as a lady of luxury. It really hasn't taken long for her to find her feet and she has amazed both my partner and I!

We couldn't have asked for a more perfect cat, and are proud to give this lady a chance to live her life to the full, rather than just mothering kittens. I think Tigerlilly has adjusted to her new life perfectly and is enjoying pampering. Thank you to all at FCW who have given cats like Tigerlilly a chance of a better life!

Nicolla (4 July 2011)

 

Lucas and Hannah

 

Charlie and his grown kitten, Alice, (once Lucas and Hannah), were two of five very timid cats left homeless when their owner died.  They had not seen many other people and were terrified when we first took them into our care. With patience, our fosterer gained their trust and although still nervous of strangers these two lucky cats were offered a home. They have been in their new home for a fortnight now and here is an update. You can see from the photo why we try not to split cats up who we know love and depend on each other!  

Alice and Charlie are settling in well! They are still a little nervous when we go in and out of the room or when the phone rings/door knocks but other than that are doing really well. They both hid from us at first but after alot of bribes with treats they soon came round! Charlie was happy for us to stroke him straight away from the safety of behind the sofa and Alice took four days - I was expecting it to take much longer than that! They both love cuddling up together on the sofa and Alice adores her dad! If he's doing something then she has to be doing it too! She looks to him for reassurance quite a bit. If you stop stroking Charlie he'll nudge you and look at you as if to say, 'did I say stop?!' Alice can't sit still for a minute if she's on your lap! She climbs all over you, smacks you in the face with her tail, nudges you and flings herself all over the place! They are both very sweet, loving cats and Charlie is like a gentle giant!  

Emmajane (30 May 2011)

 

Mimosa and Saffron 

  

These two cats came into our care as feral kittens.  After almost a year they have found their perfect home.  Click here to read their diary!


 


Neo 

 

Having a wash - upside down and double-jointed!

Neo is a young cat who was scavenging for scraps of food around dustbins when he was only a few months old, along with his mother Mia, and sister, Tula (still in our care and waiting for a home together!).  He was very timid at first but in time became more trusting with his fosterer.  We knew that by rehoming him on his own he would lose his confidence, but we also knew that by rehoming him to the right people, who were willing to give Neo the patience and care he needed, he would blossom into the lovely, affectionate cat we knew he was.  Here is a recent update (22 April 2011)

I'd just like to drop you a line about Neo, the timid feral cat you delivered to us three months ago. I wouldn't call him a timid cat now! He follows us around the house looking for cuddles and tickles. At night he comes into the bedroom just to check we are still here. When we use the lap top he gets jealous and sits on the keys.

He knows his name and will look at you immediately when you call him - then decides whether to acknowledge you or look away.  He is a very independent cat. He goes out for hours at a time and has been spotted half a mile away in the fields.  He has two cat friends who follow him everywhere but he is very fussy about people. You have to earn his trust before he will let you touch him. It took my husband six weeks and  me nearly three months before we were considered worthy and as yet my parents have no chance.

 

He has never once hissed, scratched or bitten - even when we cornered him and pushed him through the cat flap for the first time! (it took a while for him to understand the funny plastic window). He is now like a teenager with his first key to the house. He comes in and out constantly just because he can. 

 

He has disgraced himself once by bringing home a half eaten mouse - but what can you do - he has instincts!  The only mountain we have left to climb is the worming tablet every 6 months - the vet gave him the last one but I am sure I can hide the next one in his favourite treat - duck pate.

 

In summary he is a fantastic cat - full of character and a wonderful personality. I would highly recommend the Feral Cat Welfare as an adoption agency. We were matched perfectly with Neo and he is a loyal member of our family. I look around at other cats who run up to strangers for a stroke and a fuss and just smile - ours has more loyalty than that!

Marian

 

Dusty and Flint

 

Dusty learning to trust and Flint with his feather toy
 
 
Brotherly love
 

Dusty and Flint were 8wk old feral kittens when they came into our care.  They were cared for by a fosterer who invested a great deal of time in gaining their trust until they were rehomed.  Here is a happy report from their new owners: 

 

Last November we lost both our cats within a space of weeks to a deadly contagious virus called F.I.P (Feline Infectious Peritonitis).  We were devastated.  They were beautiful, loyal and faithful, more like dogs in that sense.  We knew we could not live without a cat and even though it was so painful to lose ours we wanted to give a home to a cat in need which is why we contacted Feral Cat Welfare.  We visited Dusty and Flint in their foster home and wanted them straight away but we were advised to wait six weeks, the time suggested to leave a home cat-free after an infection of FIP.  We were very excited when the day came for their delivery.

 

When they first arrived we expected them to hide, so we had prepared some hiding places within the room they were to settle in initially. The cat baskets were opened and we were greeted with two panic stricken balls of fur, wide eyed and scared to death. We were not prepared for them both to flee and squeeze themselves behind a tall bookcase into a space we thought only a mouse may be able to fit! We gently pulled out the bookcase to reveal a frightened aptly named "Dusty" and some dust (shame) peeking out with Flint right behind him!  At the end of the day we wondered if anyone had actually brought the cats or if we just dreamt it! The room was adorned with a state of the art scratching post, luxury cat bed, and many toys all untouched. The disappointed humans went to bed.

 

The next day, Flint slowly edged his way from behind the bookcase as I sat on the sofa waving a cat toy around the room, (thank goodness or the neighbours would have certified me!!).  Flint could not resist and made a play for the toy!  Dusty stayed in his hiding place but peeked out and watched in horror as his brother played with the humans!  But as soon as anyone moved in the room they fled back behind the bookcase.

 

A lovely moment after four days, Flint let us stroke him, he rolled over on his tummy and has enjoyed a good mauling from the humans ever since!  Once they had got used to our moving around the room we attempted the radio, but even Classic FM didn't work, straight back behind the bookcase!! TV, and straight back in hiding again! Two to three weeks later they did tolerate the TV on low and it was funny to watch Flint who, when the TV was turned off, pawed at the screen and walked round and round, he coudn't understand where the picure had gone!!

 

After three to four weeks Dusty jumped up onto the sofa next to me.  I was thrilled, he even allowed me to stroke him!  Unfortunately the next day he suffered memory loss and as I reached out to touch him he fled and looked at me as if to say "Who are you"??!!!

 

Compared to those early days the boys have really blossomed, they now have the run of the house and enjoy knocking off all sorts of ornaments!! Flint as you may have gathered is more confident than Dusty but they are both adorable and have enhanced our lives richly. It's amazing to see what you can achieve with a little effort. A big difference has been made with Dusty but to help him on his way, at their vaccination appointment the vet asked us if we would like to try a drug (Zylkene) short term to reduce his stress.  This has helped him to relax and we can now pick him up.  In 3 weeks we will let them out.  Being kept indoors for so long has definitely helped them to be more social with humans. I'd like to say a special thanks to Joan for all the encouraging texts from her and what a fantastic job she did fostering them.

Gill and Dave


Mitzi


 

Mitzi was reported to us by two different callers on one evening as she was seen being chased and attacked by four unneutered tom cats, no doubt doing what came naturally to them at this time of year.  She had been in the area for a while but seemed to belong to no-one.  Fortunately we were able to take her in and get her spayed the next day so this little girl won't be adding to the problem of feral kittens born outdoors this spring.  It wasn't long before she was offered a home and here is her update.  

Mitzi has settled well - is certainly very cheeky and a character and is giving Mark much amusement as my boys were 5 when he met me so they were already through the kitten stage so he's not seen it before. In fact he's pathetic!  He is going round telling everyone how much she prefers men to women as is much cuddlier with him (?) but hey ho, if it keeps him quiet what the heck!  She is in her "own room" at bed time for now, but at 4 am ( not 3 or 5) she squeaks continually and jumps at the door handle and drives us nuts.  "Daddy" gets in with her and they both then snuggle for 2 1/2 hours so me n Murf get some peace :)

Murfi is coming round gradually, slowly but surely.  Two weeks on and he is definitely better, but I do still think given the choice he would buy her a bus ticket back to Gipton!  He is a good boy though he just cannot understand why she kept running at him, but she only wanted to play.  Luckily they have not been left alone to deal with the situation.  Lots of biccys and TLC have helped.

I am attaching a picture of our "pussy kennel" which Mark spent ages doing the weekend before we got her even though he was full of cold and felt rubbish!  Also attaching one of her in our conservatory which has been on facebook now for a while and attracted some very favourable comments!  

Regards, 

Janexx

 Skye and Tinkerbell

 
  
Skye and Tinkerbell in their new home
  
Skye was an 8wk old feral kitten when we trapped her in a garden along with her brothers and tame mother.  As the boys gained in confidence Skye remained very timid until until her fosterer was able to provide her with quality time.  When her brothers were recently offered a home together we were worried that Skye would be left alone, but fortunately she was spotted by Jill who had come to choose another kitten, Tinkerbell, from the foster home.  Jill has now given Skye and Tinkerbell a lovely start to 2011 as you can read below:
 
I fell in love with Tinkerbell when I saw her on the website and couldn't resist Skye when I saw her pretty face.  I have always had a soft spot for tabby cats and sadly lost my 18 year old feral tabby cat in March.  After only four days, Tinkerbell and Skye have settled really well. Tinkerbell is very confident and whizzes and jumps everywhere.  She enjoys all the toys - and my fingers!  Skye, after a shy start, is becoming more confident and beginning to put Tinkerbell in her place.  She is also becoming more trusting and comes to me to be stroked.  I am gradually introducing them to my other two cats, a very old friendly chap and a three year old princess. I'm sure they will bring me lots of happiness.  A big thank you to Joan, who fostered them and obviously gave them both a great start.  2011 is going to be very lively in my house, joy!

Jill

 
 
Chad and Merlin 
 

 

  

Chad, approx 4yrs old and living on the streets of Bradford, and Merlin, a one year old indoor cat who was threatened with abandonment, have found a new home together!  They were being fostered separately but when they were both offered a home we carried out a trial run and introduced them to each other at one of the foster homes.  After gentle integration it was clear they would get on well together.  Their owner reports: 

Just thought I would let you know how lovely the cats are.  Merlin is a little love and follows me around everywhere although he seems to have a litter tray fetish, every time he or Chad uses it he spends ages tidying it up!!  Chad just wants to be inside in comfort and is quite a lazy boy but lovely.

It's like having two toddlers in the house again, toys everywhere, lots of running up and down stairs and playfighting, it's great.

Susan

***New photos***  received above 11 May 2011.   

  
 
Portia and Shadow, now Susie and Bertie 
 
 

Portia was an abandoned unneutered pet who had given birth to a litter of kittens in a garden.  FCW trapped the nervous 8wk old kittens and brought them into their care along with their tame mother.  We are pleased to report that Portia (now Susie) and her most nervous kitten, Shadow, (now Bertie) have been rehomed together.  You can see how happy they are in their new home and how Bertie has come along in leaps and bounds. Here is a lovely update from their new owner (5 September):

Hello,

We thought you'd appreciate an update on the kittycats.  All is going wonderfully and they are a joy!  Susie is so affectionate with us and Bertie, whilst still very timid, is much braver than he was and has started to sniff us and has stopped hiding when we come in and out the room.  He loves playing with us, particularly with the fishing rod with a bell and feather.  Susie, we've discovered, is a catnip fiend and it's quite astonishing seeing her go bananas after a chew on a catnip mouse!

We've let them wander around the downstairs and to run up and down the stairs and they are enjoying having a little more to explore, although Bertie is definitely the braver one.  In fact Susie worries when she can't see him and 'calls' to him.  She's quite protective of him but still thinks nothing of giving him a nip when he wants more of the armchair than she's prepared to give up!  And she gave him a face and ear wash today that was of mammouth proportions; like all little boys, Bertie was not impressed with the ear wash!!

They are both very well and eating, sleeping, playing and being generally gorgeous. 

I hope you are well and that the remaining kittens didn't pine too much for their Mum.  Tell them she's safe and well and currently preparing us a big smelly treat in the litter tray!

Keep up your fantastic work and I'll email you again sometime soon.

Claire

 Beano, Dandy and Fizz

The three older kittens who came to us as untouchable semi-ferals have now well and and truly made their home at the stables where they were relocated in the summer.  This recent update just proves how patience and understanding can make all the difference. 

I thought you might like an up date on the 3 monkeys! All 3 are now enjoying being stroked, Beano has been picked up by Joanne and they adore Comanche the pony. They will accompany her in and out of the field and can be seen nose to nose with her on some occasions! They love to play hide and seek over the muck heap and this week's snow has been a source of great amusement for them. They dash here and there, leaving their paw prints so we can tell where they've been. We have made some cosy beds in the hay so they can keep warm at night and Tootsie, the 18 year old cat, keeps an eye on them, making sure they're wearing their woolly hats and wellies before going out to play! The only problem is that they run around so much at night that they keep fusing the security lights due to excessive turning on and off as they frolic through the beam. Oops! However, they are doing a wonderful job of keeping the vermin away and some morsels have been left for our delectation--- not a pretty sight at 7 in the morning.

Joan 

 

 

The Diary of Saffron and Mimosa

These two young cats were brought into our care as feral kittens and who, after almost a year, have finally found their perfect home.  This is a diary of their first few days in their new home - a totally new experience for them.

Saturday, 7 May 2011

Saffy and Mimmy are taking their time to assess the situation in their own way- they are still in residence beneath the radiator cover. If anyone had told me that I would be spending a Saturday evening lying on my stomach on the dining room floor crooning to two furry black blobs and tickling them to produce purrs I would not have credited it.

Last night Saffy also spent time playing 'ostrich' with her head in the floor-length curtains and her bottom facing us- without doubt a deliberate comment on her feelings!  At that point Mimmy was being the brave one rearing up on hind legs to have a look about and giving the weight on the curtain cords and experimental pat.  She then got between the cat bed and the skirting and allowed our son to stroke her and was the first to demonstrate that she can purr - and boy has she got a motor!
This morning Saffy showed that she too can rumble away when having her head tickled. Twice she squeezed out while I was lying prone only inches from her and started to have a little explore. Unfortunately, both times my 'fairy-elephant' husband stomped by out in the hall and she ran for [radiator] cover again.
 
We keep leaving them be for long periods of time and alternating that with simply sitting quietly in the room while having a cup of tea.
 
During the night our son came down to find that the litter was being used and a large 'gift' had been deposited. I suspect it was Mimosa as she had been creating quite a miasma- a full scale eye watering feline gas cloud. A nervous reaction rather than a deliberate attempt at nerve gas production [ I hope!] 
 
'Some-one' had also had a trip up the curtains as the valance at the top is fastened by Velcro and obviously had become detached due to a Tarzan style manoeuvre.
 
The latest news from the dining room is that curiosity is starting to win out. Will keep you posted!

Sunday, 8 May 2011

At  3 pm- exactly 24 hours after arriving Mimosa began to play- she chased after a bit of cord which Dan wiggled for her until she needed a sleep to recover from the exertion. Eventually, Saffron eased herself out from under the radiator and watched from behind the curtain and by 6pm was joining in. Mim is by now allowing Dan to stroke her as she rolls about in the cat play cube [£1.99 @ £Stretcher] batting at the cord. [All cats seem to be suckers for what looks like a rodent tail]

A definite game pattern evolved: Dan would wiggle the cord for Mim to chase and she would eventually carry it off in her mouth to where Saffy waited under the table and they would both play with it. When they dropped it, both looked at Dan to start the game again.  

 
Mimosa does not run away now when either Dan or I enter the room and Saffron comes out pretty quickly. We keep all movement and speech slow and gentle. The 'fairy elephant' crashing about outside the room still worries them, but they are doing marvellously.
 
Both are rather keen on cat treats and have just discovered that they really like stuff called Tuna! Got to have something to bribe them with in future!!
 
We are so glad we took these two, they are obviously devoted to each other and are already starting to fill the cat shaped void in our emotions since the death of a very strong  and well loved feline character.
 
Sunday, 15 May 2011

Sunday May 15th and one week plus since 'the girls' took up residence and they have made enormous strides.  We were not expecting them to fall in love with us immediately and become instant lap cats.  At the moment they are becoming toerant of our noises, movements and of our strange human foibles and we are observed loftily and regarded as a source of entertainment.  Now both stand their ground and do not dive for cover when we enter the room quiety and we are almost at the stage where Mim will deign to greet us - the tail goes up in the ? pose and she will sniff an outstretched finger. 

Tuesday, 31 May 2011

Checking that exterior doors are not left open, windows closed and loo seats down is becoming second nature for us as the cats have been roaming the whole house for the last ten days or so.  They began exploring with great trepidation, peering into the bright rectangle through which we disappeared and then feeling their way room by room.  Now they are into everything and nosing everywhere and quite used to having a camera pointed at them - I'll swear they are starting to pose! Just over three weeks into our relationship with 'the girls' and they continue to make great strides towards being normal family cats (and of course the household revolves around them).

 

As regards interacting with humans - Mim was the first to decide she likes being stroked and  now our son can carry her about, tickle her tummy and administer a fairly robust body massage which she adores. She is starting to allow the rest of us to take some of the same liberties as long as we do not approach her from in front and above. She trusts our son and is learning to trust us, but we are not rushing her. Both cats will skitter about us happily as long as we pretend to ignore them and move at an oblique angle to them. They do like to be talked to - but no sudden moves!   However, tail up greetings and cheek rubbing are becoming the norm for Mimosa.


 On the other hand, Saffy remains bolder in exploration, but more shy with humans. It has only been in the last few days that she has decided to allow Dan to stroke her and her purr sounds like the Triumph Tiger Cub motor bike I remember from my youth. She's definitely got at least 100cc revs!  She will sometimes allow strokes when relaxed and on her side. Although more reserved, she follows me around and is obviously giving me a thorough checking out and will climb into a patch of bed which I have vacated and curl up on my nightie. I suspect that she and I will eventually form a close bond.


 The nocturnal frolics remain a feature, but where once they were confined to one room, now the mogs charge about the house sounding like a herd of migrating wildebeest and think nothing of using our bed and us as a convenient trampoline to aid their passage.  They are obviously settling in well!
Best Wishes, 
Chris, Dan and Steve.