Cats Protection Caithness, which also covers Orkney, would like to recruit some more Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Volunteers to help with the vital work of helping feral cats throughout the islands. 

As feral cats are wild animals, it is not possible to tame them after the age of eight weeks old, 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, which is run entirely by volunteers, does a huge amount of work to help local cats in Caithness but now we really need more people to join our Trap-Neuter-Return team on 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 you 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 feline welfare charity and Cats Protection Caithness is part of the charity’s nationwide network of volunteer-run branches and centres that helped 191,000 cats and kittens in 2024. That’s the equivalent of helping around 525 cats a day.

As well as finding new homes for unwanted and abandoned cats, the charity also offers cat care advice to the public and can help towards the cost of neutering. 

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/