We are Asta and Espen, bonded siblings. We have been patiently waiting for our forever home for over 2 years now. If you follow the sanctuary’s Facebook or website, you might already know our story.

We came into the sanctuary off the streets in December 2022 with our brother Jesper when we were around 10 weeks old! Jesper sadly passed away due to a very horrible illness we had caught outside- a virus called feline pox virus. We all looked visibly healthy, but our carers soon noticed we had some sore lesions over our tiny bodies. It made us all very poorly for quite a few weeks and it left us with some scars mentally and physically through the trauma. We fought through the virus and showed how strong and brave we are.

ASTA- I had a large sore lesion on my nose which spread near to my eye.  Once this finally healed it caused permanent scarring to under my eye and right side of my nose. At the time we were all on a lot of medication because we felt very poorly. Although my lesions were improving and I started to slowly get better, I then became very wobbly and uncoordinated with my movements. I had tests to rule out anything else and these came back all clear. The vet explained the virus I had most likely caused some permanent damage to my brain, affecting my central nervous system. My wobbles did slightly improve but I learnt to adapt extremely well with this disability. I can still climb, jump and run but just not in the normal way! My carers say I am a little fighter and such a brave little girl with everything I have been through. I just don’t let it stop me from being the adorable curious young girl I am. I am a very sweet loving girl with a fun and cute playful side. I can be cheeky and sassy too! I love cuddles, a lap to chill on and playing with my toys especially catnip ones! I also love a fluffy rug to chill out on!

Last year I was diagnosed with colitis. I had numerous tests due to ongoing blood in my stools. I am on a hypoallergenic diet and on probiotic and fibre supplements which seem to help me a lot. I still have some blood in my stools every few days but there is little that can be done for this condition and as my symptoms are mild and there are no other causes for concern, the vets advise to just monitor my colitis and continue with my set diet and supplements in a new home.

ESPEN- During the time I was poorly as a kitten my carers had to give me medication which was difficult for them due to my nature then. I didn’t like it so it took me a while to trust them. They gave me yummy treats like lick e lix though which really helped me warm up to them.

My confidence and trust in people has grown so much over the past year few years. I am such a sweet loving boy and enjoy attention and fusses on my terms. I am still an anxious boy at times but due to everything I went through as a young kitten and my first experiences with people my carer says people should understand this about me. I form lovely bonds with people once I get to know them.

I have had issues with overgrooming. Unfortunately I started to really hurt my tail last year and ended up having to have most of my tail amputated. I have adjusted so well since my operation. I also have an undiagnosed skin issue which occasionally causes sore patches or plaques mainly on my chin and leg. I have had a few flare ups of this which have cleared up with a course of steroids. I am now on a hypoallergenic diet incase of allergies. I am also on anxiety medication called reconcile and a calming supplement called Zylkene which I will need to stay on in my new home.