Trap, Neuter, Return programme will begin soon
Over 160 stray cats have been charted in Nottingham as part of the UK’s first study of the homeless cat population.
Leading feline welfare charity Cats Protection launched its Bulwell Cat Watch scheme in September to help control the rising number of stray cats living in the NG6 postcode area.
Through social media, a mobile phone app and community events, local residents have been reporting cats they know to be living on their streets.
While the survey will continue until the end of the year, the charity will soon begin a neutering programme to prevent numbers spiralling out of control.
Cats Protection’s neutering manager Jane Clements explained that,while the number of reported strays was encouraging, the charity believed there were much more living in the area.
She said: “We have had great support from local residents who have helped us identify 167 cats which are living in around 50 hotspot streets. We’ve been studying these reports closely and will soon begin door-to-door engagement in these roads to gather more information about these strays and explain the neutering programme.
“The information we’ve received will help us target neutering so we can ensure these cats are neutered and therefore stop numbers getting out of control.
“It’s fantastic to have such detailed information from residents as to where these cats are living and we’d ask they continue to send in their reports. We believe there are at least 300 strays living in the area but we need the continued support of residents to track where these cats are.”
Jane explained that Cats Protection’s Trap, Neuter, return programme will ensure the stray population cannot be left to breed uncontrollably.
She added the cats will be caught in humane traps, taken to a veterinary surgery for neutering and then returned to their outdoor homes.
“Because many stray cats have been born on the streets, they have not been sufficiently socialised and may be too wary of people to live as domestic pets,” she said. “In these cases, the most humane approach is to ensure they are neutered and allow them to continue living in safe, outdoor environment.
“Removing stray cats may temporarily reduce the numbers but this leads to what is known as the ‘vacuum effect’. Any cats left behind will continue to breed and others will move into the area which is clearly a good source of food and shelter.”
Nottingham residents can find out more about the Cat Watch by visiting: www.cats.org.uk/bulwell-cat-watch.
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