The problem(s)

The actual population of feral or “unowned” cats in Scotland in unknown but is estimated to be around 100,000+. In both urban and rural environments , over breeding in cats causes many issues in communities such as scavenging in bins, creating a mess, killing of local wildlife, noise pollution, unwanted urination creating unwanted smells and attracting other vermin. A small, neutered, controlled colony of feral cats will have better health, less likely to scent mark and will be less likely to get out of control.

Scottish Wildcat Extinction

The latest research suggests that there are between 100-300 wildcats left in Scotland, but these projects only concentrate on the main Wild cat areas meaning that the rest of Scotland, where wildcats still may be present, is not being covered and the general population of feral cats is not being controlled.

The Solution

Protect Cats Scotland believes that the most effective and humane way to help and control the feral population is by undertaking trap, neuter and return schemes wherever possible. There are strict guidelines on being able to conduct TNR programmes in Scotland and organisations require a license from Nature Scot which is renewed annually.

Experts in the field believe that if cats are removed from their outdoor home, it creates a territorial opening—or vacuum—that will not remain empty and simply by removing cats from an area may cause a temporary decrease in the cat population, but more cats WILL take their place—and it won’t take long. They believe that catching and removing (or killing) cats is therefore futile. It is an expensive, deadly cycle which yields no long-term benefits and that Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is the only way to stabilise cat populations. It is the humane, effective approach to community cats and is sound public policy.

As well as ensuring better welfare for the cats, controlling the population will also help to support communities throughout Scotland.

TNR

Trap, Neuter and Release, is where cats are humanely trapped (with traps), brought to a local vet to be spayed or neutered, treated against fleas and worms and any other treatment that they require. All cats are also ear tipped - a universal sign that a cat has been neutered, and then returned to their outdoor home.

Cats which have been neutered and returned to their original environment under the TNR programme continue to live independent lives but the population is controlled, creating better welfare of the cats and for the people living around them.

 Planning and Risk

A risk assessment is conducted before any TNR programme is commenced to ensure the safety of our volunteers, the public and the cats. We also conduct a resource assessment to identify any logistical issues and determine what is needed to complete the programme successfully.

Training

We will train other volunteers and provide them with ongoing support, learning and feedback mechanisms.

Equipment

We use UK supplied high quality automatic and manual traps, as well as high quality, coated stainless steel cat cages which lower risk of spread of disease. We also use medical grade disinfectant for all of our equipment. We store all of our equipment at a secure site.

TNR Locations

Volunteers will travel to pre: planned destinations around Scotland, where the need is greatest, working with local vets. We are guided by the need and will respond to greatest need and resources available at the specific time.

Vets

We work with UK registered vets throughout Scotland, currently with a focus in working with independent Vets.

What does this cost to the owner / feeder?

Where funding allows, all we ask if for a donation or whatever can be afforded.

If you have a colony of feral cats that you would like help with, please contact us here.