28 October 2003

Local mousers urgently looking for rural employment opportunities.

Cats Protection’s Wear Valley, Darlington & Dales Branch, is currently offering the purr-fect solution to local businesses and homeowners suffering from ongoing rodent problems. The Shelter has several working feral cats on its books that are desperate to get their teeth into a really meaty assignment.

There’s been quite a lot of interest in feral cats recently, particularly from people suffering from rodent infestation problems, according to Co-ordinator Marion Maychell “Feral cats tend to prefer the rigours of the outdoor life to a comfortable lap in suburbia. They can provide a very efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pest control” said Marion

Garden centres, nurseries, horticultural businesses, farms, stables – even residential homes with gardens – will provide a feral cat with a suitable environment in which to live and work. However, potential owners must be prepared to provide their working felines with food, water, a warm shelter and veterinary care when needed.

Cats Protection estimates the current UK feral cat population to be around 1.2 million. Left unchecked, numbers can increase rapidly and animals can suffer through a lack of veterinary care. Given the charity’s commitment to neutering as the only practical way to control the UK cat population, Cats Protection has been active in responsible feral cat management programmes for many years, developing considerable expertise in this area.

Anyone interested in rehoming a feral cat, should contact Cats Protection Wear Valley, Darlington & Dales Branch on 01388 776549

~ends~

Notes to Editors: For more information, or, to arrange a photo opportunity with the Wear Valley, Darlington & Dales Branch feral cats, please contact:

Marion Maychell on 01388 776549