From Microchip Scanning to Adoption: The Story of Pickles & The Cat Butler Bournemouth

For Alex Booth, owner of The Cat Butler Bournemouth, caring for local cats goes far beyond her daily cat-sitting visits. When a local rescue put out a call for help, Alex stepped in to lend a hand. What followed was a summer of patience, trust and plenty of purrs, ending with an unexpected new addition to her family.

A Call for Help in Poole

Back in May, Waifs & Strays Cat Rescue in Poole put out an urgent plea asking if anyone nearby could lend them a microchip scanner for the weekend. A stray cat had taken up residence in a local garden, where a kind lady had been feeding her. Sadly, the lady was moving into a care home and, with her flat going on the market, the little cat’s future was uncertain.

Alex immediately offered to help and arranged to visit the property. On arrival, a timid tuxedo cat peered out from the bushes. Tempted by a few tasty treats, the gentle feline eventually allowed Alex close enough to scan for a microchip.

Unfortunately, there was no chip to be found.

Searching for Pickles’ Family

Determined to give the stray the best chance of being reunited with her family, Alex returned the following day to fit a paper collar, asking anyone who recognised the cat to get in touch.

Over the next three weeks, Alex checked in regularly, spread the word through local Facebook groups and Nextdoor, and even knocked on doors around the neighbourhood. With local cat rescues already full to bursting, she liaised with Waifs & Strays and agreed to take over the daily feeding duties in the garden while they explored the options for Pickles.

As the days passed, the nervous little cat began to relax. Cautious visits gradually turned into affectionate lap cuddles, gentle head scratches and contented purrs. Alex had even given her a name: Pickles.

A Summer of Garden Visits

As the summer rolled on, visiting Pickles became a much-loved part of Alex’s daily routine. She also got to know the neighbours, who had been keeping a watchful eye on their little garden resident.

There were initial plans for Alex to foster Pickles at home. However, Alex already had Daisy, an elderly cat who had enjoyed being an only cat for many years and was not known for welcoming other felines with open paws.

With the weather warm and Pickles settled in the shaded garden, it was decided that she would be happiest staying where she was rather than being brought indoors and confined to a spare room while everyone worked out the next steps.

When Helping Turned Into Something More

At the end of August, Pads and Paws Cat Rescue contacted Alex with wonderful news: a foster space had finally opened up for Pickles.

But instead of simply feeling relieved, Alex found herself facing an unexpected dilemma. After months of feeding Pickles, earning her trust and watching her personality emerge, the thought of saying goodbye was heartbreaking.

After much deliberation, Alex realised that she already knew the answer. Pickles had found her person.

Alex gently coaxed Pickles into a cat carrier and brought her home for good.

Welcome Home, Pickles!

Pickles was given a cosy room of her own, complete with a plush bed donated by one of Alex’s cat-sitting clients, a scratching post and plenty of toys. She settled in almost immediately.

“It has been an absolute joy to see her settle in and grow in confidence over the past month,” says Alex. “She really is part of the family now.”

And what about Daisy and Pickles? Well, peace has been negotiated. Daisy reigns supreme downstairs, while Pickles is perfectly content exploring upstairs. For now, everyone seems happy with the arrangement.

“It is still early days, but I am sure they will become more comfortable with each other in time,” Alex reflects. “I have learned so much about feline behaviour and how to introduce a new cat into a household. The experience has been so rewarding that I know fostering other cats will definitely be in my future.”

At The Cat Butler, we know that every cat has their own personality, their own needs and, occasionally, their own plans for the humans who cross their path. Alex’s story is a lovely reminder of just how rewarding it can be to earn a cat’s trust, one visit at a time. After all, cats are happier at home, and sometimes, as Pickles discovered, home is closer than they think.

Sandra James

Owner & Founder

The Cat Butler was set up by Sandra James in recognition of the fact that a stay in a cattery can be unsettling for many cats and also their owners.