There are many supposedly feral cats but are they really deserving of the title?

Ask most people and they'll probably say that a feral is any cat not living in a home. This is a misconception and it can be a deadly one for the cat. Ferals are often classed as vermin and dealt with as such.
Of course many of these are just frightened abandoned or lost domestic cats. The problem arises when they are not neutered and breed. Their kittens will, unless caught very early, become unused to humans, and their litters even more so producing ferals.

The importance of catching and neutering these, as well as ensuring they are healthy, is obvious. Many of these can be rehabilitated with a little patience and love but sadly the really timid adults will not be. Not that it's impossible but there just aren't the volunteers with the time to devote to the long task.

The policy is to neuter and return, which is fine if they are in a suitable environment and happy. The problem comes when they are under stress. In our quest to build and convert every square inch of the land there sadly are getting fewer places where these 'ferals' can be re-homed.

Rural locations such as stables, farms, large houses, garden centres etc are likely sites where these cats could make their new homes and the owners benefit from the vermin catchers skills, although should not be just left anywhere without first checking.

We've forced these cats into their lifestyles and so we cannot just shrug our shoulders and turn a blind eye as they are exterminated because they are an inconvenience. It is our responsibility to safeguard these living creatures until, by neutering and natural life spans, their numbers are brought to a level that fits the sites available.

If you know of anyone who would be interested in having a pair, or more, of these fascinating creatures please have them contact us. There are always cats awaiting a move to a more suitable site, so please give them a deserved break.