Do you know what to do if you see a ‘stray’ cat in your garden or on your doorstep? The first thing is check if friendly and/or hungry and, if you can coax puss inside, borrow a carrier and get puss to the vet. Vets will check if the cat has a microchip. And if you can’t do that, call Team Cat Rescue or any cat charity who will offer advice.
Recently, Lynne Buffery of Team Cat Rescue took a call from a local resident who had ‘seen a cat in and out of her garden shed for 4 or 5 days – what should she do?’ Says Lynne: “I authorised for the cat to be checked over by Pype Hayes Vets and promised if treatment was needed, we’d foot the bill. And – foster space permitting – we’d take the cat into care. But a quick scan-over and the cat’s ID chip number came up trumps. Puss was promptly back with his rightful owner. And it was thanks to the finder for simply reporting the situation to us.
“My plea is if a cat turns up on your doorstep, don’t ignore it. Call your local vet or a rescue group who can offer advice. The cat could well be chipped – or it could be a pregnant or abandoned cat who needs a loving new home. But there can be no fast-track happy ending unless the finder takes that ‘extra step’ to get help for the cat.”
*A ‘snip and chip’ campaign is operating at several local vets – just £5 for those on low incomes or certain benefits – so check out your vet. Neutering is top priority to stop litters of unwanted kittens being born – but chipping comes a very close second!
We are also pleased to report that the January sale raised £765 to swell the kitty.
TCR volunteers held a table top sale at the Swan at Yardley on the 25th January to raise funds for the felines in their care. Supporters donated bric-a-brac, clothes, unwanted Christmas presents – all sorts. Purrs to everyone involved! Once we get back to normal after the Coronavirus outbreak, anyone who wants to donate items for a future sale can call 0121 373 4596 or message the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pg/TeamCatRescue/