I have gained so much satisfaction from adopting the unloved, homeless stray cats, and in particular the two Harry’s, that in May 2016 I decided to get more involved with cat rescue again and now volunteer whenever I can with The Scratching Post cat rescue, between Epping and Waltham Abbey.
As I have my own cat traps I am often asked to help out trapping feral cats who have started a colony somewhere. A cat colony can grow at an alarming rate; a female cat could easily have 2-3 litters a year, and as any female kittens are capable of getting pregnant from 5 months old……..you do the maths!
Over the years quite a few customers have had stray cats hanging around their gardens and I am always on the lookout for other less fortunate boys (and girls) to help out. Classic signs of a tomcat are a big chunky looking chap, particularly the head; old (and new) wounds from fighting (maybe raggedy ears); a distinct smell from him constantly spraying and marking his territory and, if you can get behind him, usually pretty obvious evidence that he has not been neutered! Unless he’s very fluffy. They are usually pretty nervous as well and constantly hungry.
Life expectancy of an unneutered tomcat is only around 3 years. He will travel far and wide looking for females and so risks dangers from traffic, other animals and fighting with his counterparts. Plus there are more than enough cats out there; neutering will stop more unwanted litters of kittens arriving.
A lot of people don’t realise that stray cats can be neutered for free on the C4 Scheme, a joint initiative by major animal charities. Almost all vets these days are part of this scheme. The hard part is catching the cat in the first place, as strays are often nervous and not trusting of humans, having been chased away all the time. Invariably a trap is needed to catch the cat, though you don’t always then catch the correct cat! Feeding them at a regular time each day will encourage them to be around and then the trap can be set; sometimes it can take quite a few attempts!
Once neutered he will fight less, and roam less, hence reducing the risk of serious injury to himself. Also he may become friendlier and, as he will no longer smell like a tomcat, some kind soul is more likely to take pity on him and invite him in to stay. Unneutered he stands no real chance of this happening as who wants a stinky tomcat in their home?
I work closely with Forest Vets in Woodford Bridge who are wonderful at taking in the strays I have caught at short notice for neutering. They also hand out my number to people with problem stray cats………….and so CatBusters was formed!!!
Is there a feral cat in your neighbourhood? Who ya gonna call? CatBusters!
CatBusters is a service I accidentally started for people who need help trapping a cat that is uncatchable and/or feral. Whether it is an unneutered tom, a lost stray, a pregnant female or an injured cat. I will then help them get it to a vet and offer help and advice for the future. Every cat I have neutered I flea and worm whilst in my care, and will usually hold on to them for a few days to ensure all is ok after their operations. Whilst I am doing all of this for the benefit of the cats, a donation towards my costs is appreciated – I myself am not a charity and it all comes out of my pocket. For more information check out the CatBusters Facebook page.