Cats Protection’s Caithness branch needs to recruit a team of Trap-Neuter-Return Volunteers to oversee its vital work in controlling feral colonies of cats throughout Orkney. 

The branch, which is run entirely by volunteers, needs people who can spare a few hours a month to help prevent colonies of feral cats breeding out of control. 

As feral cats are not domesticated, it is not possible to tame them so the charity runs a Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) programme to humanely capture them before transporting them to a vet to be blood tested (for fatal and infectious viral diseases), neutered, health checked, parasite treated, and given one vaccination, then finally releasing them back to their home territory.

Deirdre Campbell, branch coordinator explained:

“The branch does a huge amount of work to help local cats in Caithness but now we really need people to join our Trap-Neuter-Return team in Orkney and take part in this vital part of our operations.

“It’s a unique role, so we do not expect new volunteers to have experience in this area, and we can provide all required equipment, assistance and training. However, we do need people who love cats, enjoy being outdoors and have bags of enthusiasm. 

“By sparing just a few hours a month it can make a huge difference to the quality of life for ferals. We are sure whoever takes on the role will find it incredibly rewarding. It’s also a great way to make new friends – both human and feline!”

Neutering of cats is vital as they are prolific breeders and, left unchecked, a feral colony can rapidly grow out of control. As one unneutered female cat could potentially produce up to eighteen kittens a year, owners who do not neuter their cats may unwittingly be contributing to more cats being abandoned in the future and joining such colonies.

In accordance with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended): Section 16 (4) (c), in Scotland cats can only legally be released back “into the wild” by individuals or organisations who hold an annually-granted licence from NatureScot. All of our volunteers therefore carry out TNR under the auspices of the charity’s licence.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading cat charity and the Caithness branch is part of a nationwide network that helps around 200,000 cats each year.

As well as its work with ferals and finding new homes for unwanted and abandoned cats, the charity also offers cat care advice to the public.

If you are interested in becoming a TNR volunteer for Cats Protection’s Caithness branch in Orkney, then please email  volunteering@caithness.cats.org.uk  or message our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/cpcaithness/