Cats Protection

Several years ago we were approached by a couple who had recently purchased a holiday cottage. Un-neutered cats from stables had migrated to their garden and were rapidly increasing in numbers and causing a problem. They were concerned that there would soon be over 30 cats there so asked for our help. We lent them our remote controlled trap and over the next few months they managed to catch all the cats and kittens. Because the cats had not been socialized they were neutered and released back to the area, where an elderly couple agreed to feed them.

The kittens came into care to be re-homed and because there was so many of them some were taken in by Jane Armiger at Swanton Abbott. Over the years we have kept in contact with Geof and Gill, the couple who contacted us and heard how the cats have fared and were able to re-home two with a lady who was looking for farm cats.

As the elderly couple are now moving into sheltered accommodation, Geof and Gill approached us to see if we could help relocate the cats as there was no one else there permanently to feed them on a regular basis. New homes have now been found for all five cats in stables and at present Geof has caught four of the cats, with one left to catch on their next visit to Norfolk.

When looking at the records of the cats in care at present, it is apparent that over half of them have joined us as strays. Some have obviously had a home in the past as they are very friendly. Most of these have worn our paper collars prior to coming in and we must assume they have been abandoned.

Cats like Marmalade, a lovely ginger and white boy who has just been re-homed (picture in last edition). He had been living in someone's garden for several months before a pen became free.

Larry, who we have mentioned previously, was found on a car park and handed in to a vet. This lovely lad has had serious health problems since joining us but is now, hopefully, on the road to recovery.

The list is endless and some do have to wait a long time to join us. Fortunately there are lots of nice people out there prepared to care for them in the meantime.

Sometimes, when people hand their cats into care they ask whether the cat will be put to sleep if a home cannot be found for it. We assure them that this will not happen unless recommended by our vets because the cat has serious health problems.