FELINES IN NEED OF COUNTRYSIDE HOMES
Plymouth’s Woodside Sanctuary, which cares for up to 80 cats at any one time alongside its 18 other species of pet, is facing large numbers of feral cats being bought to its specially built cattery in Elfordleigh.
Often taking longer to rehome, feral and semi feral cats can require special homes in barn or stable environments where they are free to roam after a short introductory period. In the past, Woodside have had success with rehoming feral or semi feral felines to similar homes, however as the numbers found in the cattery rise, the charity are appealing for more suitable homes for its nervous residents.
“In the past we have seen that some ferals can come round with the right patience and love, and can eventually take a fuss and a few treats from their owners. Stables, barns and farms are often perfect environments as the cats feel less pressure than they would in a domestic home and are allowed their own space” Manager Dawn Cornish tells.
Fortunately, Woodside’s feral residents vary in ages and colours, with the youngest being 3 months old and the eldest being just 4 years old. At these younger ages, the charity are hopeful that the cats will prove to be a good addition to a rural environment and have the potential to be less nervous in the future.
While 20% of the residents currently at the Elfordleigh site are feral, Woodside are thankful that they could be bought to their sanctuary. With the help of the charity’s dedicated Welfare Van, complete with humane cat traps and experienced welfare officers, Woodside have been reducing the number of feral colonies in the local area, eliminating excessive feral breeding in the process. The public have also supported in this, alerting the charity to ferals they have discovered in a variety of places, including industrial parks, which have then been successfully trapped and bought to the sanctuary to await rehoming.
At the time of writing, Woodside have 17 felines on site who are looking for outdoor based homes due to their temperaments, and so the sanctuary are urging those who may be looking for a furry addition to their barn or stable to get in touch. The cats require a 4 to 6 week introductory period where they can be shut in a barn, pen, stable or similar, after which they can be left to roam freely and enjoy the countryside. To help give these cats the chance they so deserve, contact Woodside on 01752 347503 or visit www.woodsidesanctuary.org.uk for more details.
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