Introduction
When you open a cat rescue website, do you think of cuddly kitties/moggies desperate for a kindly lap to sleep on? Well, yes, there are plenty of those passing through PussyCat Lodge, but have you ever thought about what happens to the feral cats; non-domesticated and perhaps wild? Often large colonies of feral cats frequent industrial sites, farms and the rear of shops, continually giving birth to kittens which do not all survive. Feral kittens are often pathetic and undernourished and dirty. It is a harsh life for some.
It is likely that a colony begins with one or two domestic cats that were never neutered and possibly abandoned by their irresponsible owners, but whatever their story we at Pussycat Lodge Trust believe cat rescue is for ALL cats, not just pretty homeable ones, and so make an extra special effort to find the feral cats safe homes.
The MOT
Jane Regan and Jennie Hurley (and supporters) trap the ferals and take them to the vet to neuter, test for AIDS and FIV and get a general MOT done on the cats. In many cases we are able to return the cats to site with the happy knowledge that the colony will slowly reduce in size and, most importantly, no more kittens will be born wild at that site.
Cats In Limbo:
BUT, what if the cats are not allowed to be returned to site, or what if we refuse to return them because of the awful conditions? Hmmmm, that could be a dilemma.
DA, DAAAAAAHHH
Well, that is where Lauren, of Romford, comes into the picture. She advertises for homes in stables! Stables make purrfect homes for feral cats who need help with food, health and warmth but don't want their contact with humans to be too personal. Most of the people who respond to these adverts want to use a natural form of rat/mouse control in their stables, but, at the same time, they like the idea of having cats around with their charming ways - some stable cats actually end up being friendly, and cats and horses seem to like each other. It is a match made in heaven.
Lauren will travel far and wide if there is a possible good home and a cup of tea at the end of the journey, having previous travelled as far as Middlesborough with six feral cats.
What Next?
Lauren explains to the caller what is expected of them before agreeing an inspection date. The inspection only takes 20 to 30 minutes generally, first to ensure that the stables is a suitable home for the cats and also to advise on any minor adjustments the stable owner might need to make to accommodate the cats. Lauren then visits Jennie or Jane and discusses which feral cats would be most appropriate for that particular stables.
Once the stable owner has made the necessary adjustments and feels ready to accept the cats, a date is agreed to deliver them. Lauren arrives with cat pen, cats, blankets, newspapers, food, bowls, litter trays and sets the cats up for their six week internment. She gives advice and demonstrates how to look after the cats with safety in mind for both the cats and the humans. Lauren also makes several follow up calls over the next few months and in most cases it all works out a treat.
I Think I Might Be Interested But Don't Want To Be Pushed Into Anything
If you know anyone who could offer a home to feral cats, whether in a stable, smallholding, farm, campsite, garden centre, school, etc., then please ask them to contact Lauren on 07956 301 378 or 01708 378 452. Remember we do not rush things and the cats will not be delivered until both parties are happy for it to happen.
Lauren Grace
