'Out-of-control' feral cat colony on UK island triggers urgent rescue operation
At least 20 cats on Barra in the Outer Hebrides have been identified as requiring urgent care by Western Isles Support for Cats and Kittens (WISCK).
The first two cats that will be neutered on Wednesday. Pic: Western Isles Support for Cats and Kittens (WISCK)
A rescue operation has been launched on a Scottish island amid fears a colony of feral cats could decimate local wildlife as they struggle to survive on hunting alone.
At least 20 cats on Barra in the Outer Hebrides have been identified as requiring urgent care by Western Isles Support for Cats and Kittens (WISCK).
The volunteer-led non-profit organisation is aiming to trap all the cats, which have congregated at a local residence, and have them checked by a vet and neutered before breeding season.
It is hoped they can then be found homes.
WISCK said it was taking action as Barra - which had a population of 1,174 at the time of the last available census data in 2011 - had too few birds "to risk an out-of-control cat colony decimating" their numbers.
It also noted that rabbits had not been seen in the area in many years, so the cats would not be able to sustain themselves solely by hunting.
Due to the lack of natural prey and the animals' reliance on human provision, WISCK said an intervention was needed to prevent the colony from "growing uncontrollably, posing a threat to the scarce local wildlife and the cats' wellbeing".
Maryann Macaulay, volunteer at WISCK, told Sky News the process of trapping and transporting the cats to Stornoway for veterinary attention and neutering was under way.
She said: "This journey is far from simple. It spans eight islands and involves two ferry crossings along with multiple causeway navigations, illustrating our commitment and the complexities involved in our rescue efforts.
"The initial phase of neutering begins tomorrow, with two cats scheduled for the procedure.
Our undertaking is heavily constrained by limited space, logistical challenges, and the availability of veterinary services, as we rely on a sole veterinary practice that also attends to the broader community's needs."
She added: "The costs will involve the vet fees, transport, housing, and daily care needs.
"We're actively planning fundraising events and warmly welcome any contributions, big or small. We will need every penny.
"Every cat we rescue from Barra isn't just a cat or just a number - it's a life that we're saving from hardship.
"The journey these cats undertake, from being trapped to finding warmth in our shelters, is a testament to the incredible network of volunteers and the community's generosity.
"It's a monumental task but seeing the difference we make in these cats' lives - and the ecosystem of Barra - fuels our determination."
'Out-of-control' feral cat colony on UK island triggers urgent rescue operation
At least 20 cats on Barra in the Outer Hebrides have been identified as requiring urgent care by Western Isles Support for Cats and Kittens (WISCK).
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