Neutering of feral cat colony in Gloucester

We were contacted by a resident in the Tredworth area of Gloucester. There was a colony of feral cats living in the area. Last year there had been several litters of kittens and the residents had done what they could to offer the kittens homes or find loving homes for them. This spring it became clear that one, if not both the females in the colony were pregnant again, so the residents asked us for help.

We think that there are about 7 cats in total and this rescue is still on-going. (25/4/2023 ).

These cats are feral.

These cats are feral so the plan was to TNR ( Trap Neuter Return ) the colony so they could live in their familiar surroundings but produce no more kittens. We were able to set traps and try and get these cats, vet checked, neutered and released.

We caught two of the boys. They were in good health so they could both be neutered and released back on their home territory. Next we caught the two female cats. Neutering male cats is so important,

More kittens already on the way!

One of the female cats was heavily pregnant and was a little friendly towards the lady who had alerted us to this colony. The lady decided she wanted to become one of our foster volunteers, so after the relevant home checks, we welcomed Louise on-board as a fosterer and the pregnant cat stayed with her, as we waited for the babies to appear!

Bee, the mother cat, has now had 4 lovely kittens and she is becoming friendlier each day. The kittens will be rehomed when ready and their mother will also be found a loving home as she is no longer feral.

The other female was much wilder, but we were able to catch her and get her spayed. She is tiny and only about 2 years old, even though it is thought that she has already had several litters of kittens. She will be returning to the colony in about a weeks’ time when she has recovered even though she has already needed to make a return trip to the vet as she managed to dislodge her stitches!

As she is a feral cat, she is terrified of people and doesn't want to be anywhere near humans and being contained is a stress full experience for her. Releasing her back to her home ground is her best and kindest option.

Still more to go.

There are still 3 or 4 male cats to catch and neuter so the traps will be set again this week and we have provisional space booked at the vets for them to be neutered.

Cats protection kindly provided vouchers to cover the cost of neutering, and we covered the cost of any additional treatment or medication needed.