May the fourth be with you – and all the animal stars looking for furever homes

Could you go starry-eyed for a special rescue animal this May the fourth? Don’t worry you don’t need to go to a galaxy far, far away to find the perfect companion!

To help celebrate all things Star Wars – on May 4th – staff at RSPCA’s cattery at Stapeley Grange in Nantwich and at RSPCA Newport Animal Centre are looking to rehome some animals who have been named after the iconic franchise.

Could cats Luke and Leia be your chosen ones? Or perhaps rabbits R2-D2, C-P30, Obi, Chewie and Padme and Poe?

Luke and Leia were rescued by the RSPCA from the boarded up property near Burnley back in February 2021. They were left so traumatised by the experience that it has taken two years to help them overcome their anxiety and learn to interact with humans again.  

The duo, named after the Star Wars characters Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia, were initially taken to the RSPCA’s cattery at Stapeley Grange in Nantwich, Cheshire, after the RSPCA was given access to the property and put out traps to catch them. 

Luke and Leia were nervous and wary of being approached and preferred to keep their distance when staff approached their enclosure. It was therefore decided to place them with a local fosterer to give the cats the chance to settle into a more domestic environment.

This is where they were captured on camera meeting a soft toy Ewok – one of the diminutive furry bipeds who debuted in the 1983 film Return of the Jedi!

While at RSPCA Newport Animal Centre rabbits have a group of rabbits who will take you the furthest away from the dark side thanks to their lovely natures!

C-P30 and R2-D2 are looking for a home not far far away – but together.

This friendly duo love to lay down and chill together and could be rehomed with an existing neutered male, but a new adopter will need plenty of space to pair them and enough room for them all to live together.

The centre at Hartridge Road is also looking for a home for the wonderful Obi Wan Kenobi! Obi has really won the hearts of the staff as he is an inquisitive boy who will come straight up to you especially if you have some tasty vegetables to hand.

Deputy manager at the centre Kath Logan said; “Obi loves exploring his surroundings and having a hop around and will approach you and seems happy for you to give him a stroke. 

“Obi is looking for his forever friend and will need to be rehomed with a spayed female as he would love the company. Please get in touch if you are interested in rehoming our wonderful Obi!”

While Chewie (Chewbacca) is looking for a home with a spayed female. Chewie loves hopping round his enclosure and nibbling on his enrichment items as he enjoys playing and exploring.

“This lovely boy arrived at the centre underweight with matted fur, after lots of love and attention he has now blossomed into quite a character and is ready to find his forever home,” said Kath.

“Chewie is such a sweetheart. We hope he gets his happy ever after soon.”

Finally staff at RSPCA Newport Animal Centre are searching for a home for duo Poe and Padme.

These two rabbits came into RSPCA care after there were concerns over their welfare. Both are super inquisitive and will happily approach you, especially if you have tasty treats.

Kath added: “They are looking for a home together, in either a large hutch and run, or ideally a converted shed or wendy house. 

“Padme is the more people orientated one and enjoys a fuss from you. But with a gentle approach Poe will come over to take treats from your hand.”

Sadly despite gaining in confidence and a recent rehoming appeal launched, Luke and Leia are still looking for a home.

Nicola Chilton, Stapeley Grange’s cattery supervisor, said: “Their foster carer has done an absolutely incredible job and their progress is testament to her perseverance, time and patience and the wider work of our incredible team of fosterers. 

“It’s been a very long journey for them and they are going to need very understanding owners who are going to be fully invested in helping Luke and Leia with this next stage of their recovery. We’d love to see them settled in a forever home and we’re appealing to anyone who thinks they may be able to provide a suitable home to get in touch.” 

The cats are still worried by sudden movements and will take time to trust new owners. The RSPCA says a quiet, calm home with people who will give them plenty of space and let them do things at their own pace will be essential. Because of their nervous natures, a household without young children or other pets is preferred.    

To enquire about adopting Luke and Leia, telephone the cattery on 0300 123 0748 between 11am and 3pm every day (closed Wednesday) or email stapeleycattery@rspca.org.uk. 

To express an interest in any of the rabbits at RSPCA Newport Animal Centre, the RSPCA are asking people to fill out a rabbit online application form. 

(All images: RSPCA)