Expert ratcatchers ready to pounce!

CATS Protection is currently offering the purr-fect solution to individuals and businesses in need of an environmentally-friendly pest control service.

The charity has a surplus of working, feral cats on its books ready to pounce on the right vacancy.

Colonies of feral cats are increasingly finding themselves homeless, often as a result of inner city and rural development. But their useful predatory skills, coupled with Cats Protection's rehoming services, can secure them a better future.

Most feral cats prefer the rigours of a working life to a comfortable lap in suburbia. The group has had positive feedback in terms of reduced rodent problems from the many farms, warehouse and even golf clubs that have adopted a feral or two from us,

A pair of feral cats can provide a very efficient and environmentally-friendly alternative to chemical pest control. Garden centres, golf clubs, smallholdings, farms, stables, shops; in fact, anywhere where there is room to roam and rats to catch, will provide working cats with a suitable environment in which to live and work.

Owners must be prepared to provide their feline employees with food, water, a warm shelter and veterinary care when needed. Contrary to popular belief, regular food and neutering will not affect a feral cat's desire to catch prey. In our experience, neutering and feeding a feral cat can actually increase their predatory abilities.

Whilst feral kittens aged up to 12 weeks can be successfully 'socialised' and re-homed in a normal home environment, this is not usually possible with adult ferals. Once they have been neutered, the charity's policy is to return them to their colony where a sustainable one exists, or, find them a new home in a suitable environment where they can thrive and work hard doing what they like best!

Anyone interested in providing a home for a feral cat should contact Cats Protection's Waveney Branch on 0845 3714202 or visit www.waveney.cats.org.uk.