Volunteers are rallying to address a colony of over 20 feral cats on the Isle of Barra.
The not-for-profit organization, Western Isles Support for Cats and Kittens (Wisck), alongside its dedicated helpers, has initiated efforts to trap these cats and transport them to Stornoway in Lewis for veterinary assessments and neutering procedures.
Wisck aims to eventually secure permanent homes for these cats.
According to Wisck, the issue of feral cats in Barra has persisted for several years, with many of these animals tracing their lineage back to “barn cats” once tasked with managing mice and rat populations on crofts.
Karen Cowan, of Wisck, shared: “You see 20 cats but there could be 30 because some don’t appear at a house for food, but they are members of the same colony.”
She added: “The breeding season for feral cats is April to September, depending on the weather and how well fed they are.
“Their number could triple by next winter.”
Ms. Cowan highlighted the scarcity of rodents in Barra, leading to a situation where the cats resort to preying on ground-nesting wild birds, thus posing a threat to the local ecosystem.
“We must safeguard the delicate balance of our ecosystem while also addressing the welfare needs of these cats,” she emphasized.
Thanks to public generosity, donations have assisted in offsetting some of the veterinary expenses. These bills can soar up to £200 to cover the costs of vaccinating and neutering a single cat.
