North East animal shelter urgently seeking outdoor homes for 10 feral cats
17 cats were living in unsuitable conditions in a Tyneside home, with Cats' Protection's Tyneside Adoption Centre helping to have already rehomed seven of them
A North East animal shelter has issued an urgent plea to help its volunteers rehome 10 feral cats. At least 17 cats had been living in a Tyneside home before it was brought to the attention of Cats' Protection's Tyneside Adoption Centre in Felling.
Ten remain in the home, and are said to be under extreme stress in their current living situation. Due to the large number of cats, the shelter does not have the capacity or resources to bring them into care and adequately socialise them, which could take many months.
They have had little to no socialisation, so cannot be rehomed as family pets. However, Cats' Protection has previously had success rehoming "inbetweener" cats, who can thrive in outdoor environments with access to shelter and regular feeding such as stables, farms or smallholdings.
Michelle Adams, volunteer team leader, has already rehomed two cats at a holiday park in the Scottish Borders and a further five on a farm. She is taking each cat to the vet to be neutered or spayed, given flea and worm treatment, and vaccinated; which costs around £180 per animal.
Michelle said: "We are working closely with the owner to get the best outcome for these cats, and we are in the process of getting them neutered so they don't continue to breed out of control. Cats like these need to be rehomed in large, safe outdoor spaces where they will be fed and provided with shelter.
"Preferably, we would rehome them in pairs. Over time, they may grow more comfortable being around people and may choose to come indoors but there should not be any expectation for this to happen.
"They have had a tough life up until now and we are doing everything to get them rehomed to places where they can safely live without fear, while their health and wellbeing is monitored. We will provide all the necessary information on how best to manage their welfare."
Anyone who wants more information on rehoming these cats can call Cats Protection Tyneside Adoption Centre on 0191 653 1052 or visit https://www.cats.org.uk/tyneside.