20 feral cats rescued from island home
Charity steps in over marauding moggies
A RESCUE operation has begun after a remote island home was overrun by feral cats.
At least 20 felines have taken up residence at the house on Barra, in the Outer Hebrides, and pose a threat to local wildlife.
The house occupants contacted Uist Cat Rescue on a neighbouring isle for help.
But the charity is struggling to care for the cats it already has and is unable to take on such a big influx.
However, Western Isles Support for Cats and Kittens has been able to step in.
The group plans to trap the cats, transport them to Stornoway on Lewis, and neuter them before finding them homes throughout the islands. A spokeswoman said: “The landscape on Barra couldn’t support all these cats (approximately 20 but likely many more).
“We knew that with Barra having very few birds, too few to risk an out of control cat colony decimating, and no rabbits having been seen for many years, this colony of cats simply can not sustain themselves by hunting. We hope to trap all the cats, transport to Cat Central, Stornoway, and have them neutered over the coming weeks before finding them barn/stable homes throughout the islands. To do this, we need your help.”
Barra was the home of Whisky Galore! writer Sir Compton Mackenzie.
The story of residents who couldn’t believe their luck when a cargo vessel full of the drink was wrecked off a fictional island was told in his 1947 novel.
It is was based on a real-life incident that happened during World War II off nearby Eriskay, when the 8000-ton SS Politician ran aground.
The ship’s hold was blown up by Customs & Excise officials. Decades later, bottles were salvaged by professional diver Donald MacPhee.