From Outdoor Stray to Indoor Charmer, the Transformation of a Cartoon-Eyed Cat

Last Updated: July 22, 2024

Author: Jan Travell

In the heart of Norfolk, England, a unique black and white cat named Mau Mau embarked on an incredible journey.

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From a feral colony to a cozy indoor life, this delightful kitty transformed into an endearing character full of quirks and charm.

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Mau Mau was discovered living among a colony of feral cats near a factory.

Animal rescuers from Feline Care Cat Rescue couldn’t help but notice her distinctive features and behaviors.

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Despite her challenges – she had few remaining teeth, a tongue that often hung out, and an inability to close her eyes completely, Mau Mau’s enchanting, cartoon-like eyes and quirky demeanor stood out.

Realizing she would thrive better indoors, the rescue team decided to bring her in.

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Over the course of the following year, Mau Mau adjusted to her new life, embracing the comforts of a home with her human companions.

With each passing day, her confidence grew, revealing a vibrant personality that charmed everyone she met.

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“Every time I see a photo of Mau Mau, I wonder if she’s half cat and half cartoon,” shared Feline Care Cat shared on Facebook, encapsulating the whimsical essence of this extraordinary feline.

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When the time came for adoption, the rescue was determined to find the perfect home for Mau Mau and her unique traits.

Enter Amelia, a lifelong cat lover and veterinary office worker, who was immediately captivated by Mau Mau’s cartoonish charm.

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“I went and met her the next week and completely fell in love with her.”

“She looked even tinier as she sat in her room and meowed at me before I went in,” Amelia recalled.

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With nearly a year of socialization under her belt, Mau Mau was ready to start a new chapter. On their first meeting, she instantly won over Amelia with a single meow.

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It wasn’t long before she adjusted to her new life, exploring every nook and cranny of her new surroundings.

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From hiding under the bed to claiming every chair and bed, Mau Mau made herself right at home.

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Mau Mau’s quirks only added to her charm.

Often seen with her tongue sticking out as if perpetually blowing raspberries, she was endlessly inquisitive, always eager to chase anything that moved — including her own fluffy tail.

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Each day, she embarked on a mission to tame her elusive tail or anything that resembled it, providing endless entertainment with her antics.

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Despite her occasional lack of coordination and tendency to bump into things, Mau Mau’s spirited personality shone through.

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“She’s a tiny cat with a huge personality, and she’s very stubborn and will happily ignore me,” shared Amelia.

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In her new home, Mau Mau established herself as a top-notch supervisor, particularly fond of watching Amelia in the kitchen.

If Amelia moved to the sofa, Mau Mau was never far behind, often staring up at her human with her signature tongue-out expression.

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“She is very curious and wants to inspect anything and everything new. She’s really feisty and apparently used to try and fight all the other cats at the rescue, and enjoys beating up her toys and my hands,” Amelia recounted.

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Though not a typical lap cat, Mau Mau enjoyed cuddles on her own terms, never resisting some good chest scratches.

Each morning, she would eagerly join Amelia, hopping on the back of the sofa to help start the day off right.

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Her favorite pastime was eating, but she also loved carrying her fluffy pom-poms around or basking in sunny spots.

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From the moment she left the feral life behind, Mau Mau blossomed into a joyful, playful, cheeky, and mischievous cat.

Her unbridled energy, animated personality, and adorable quirks brought immense joy to Amelia, making every day brighter and filled with love.

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Mau Mau’s heartwarming story shows us that even the quirkiest cats can find their perfect home and become cherished members of the family.

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Jan Travell is a lifelong cat owner and a feline expert. She’s been the Cats and Kittens lead editor from the start. She lives in rural France with her two rescue cats, Tigerlily and Mr.Gee. Her senior kitty, Ducati, passed over the rainbow bridge recently at the ripe old age of 22.

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