Dedicated residents are rescuing and rehoming dozens of stray cats in Diamond Harbour.
The volunteers have rescued about 60 cats over the past two years and are now looking to expand their group.
“It’s looking at environmental work in a different way,” said volunteer Dawn Sutton.
“This is our way of making sure the cats are being looked after, because it’s not the cat’s fault that they’ve been dumped.”
Rescuing stray cats is the priority, but the volunteers also hope to prevent predation on native birds.
“Anecdotally we’ve noticed that especially around the Stoddart Point area. After we’ve done all that work, there seems to be an increased bird population around there.”
Sutton said there are two main theories why there is a disproportionate amount of stray cats in the area.
“One is that people are coming and dumping their cats out here thinking there’s plenty of vermin to eat and they’ll be ok.”
The other theory suggests some renters or bach owners in the area have abandoned their cats after moving away.
The Diamond Harbour and Surrounds Rescue Group relaunched in December after a hiatus due to most stray cats being rehomed.
“Now there’s been grumblings about people seeing cats again. We’ve got traps out at two sites at the moment, so it’s just a matter of waiting.”
Humane trap boxes are used by the group to lure in stray cats.
Desexing and socialising the cats before rehoming is the main function of the group.
“We’ve had amazing donations from the community where people go pop money in at the vet so we can provide initial treatments.”
Most of the rescued cats have been socialised at members’ properties before being rehomed.
Realising the need for cat rescues is not going away, the group are looking for a building where they can establish a well-staffed permanent charity.
“It will allow people to help out with the cat rescue, but not upset their own homes with bringing in stray kittens.”
In the past two weeks, two young cats believed to be related, McKenzie and Ghana have been rescued and fostered with a family until a permanent home is found.
“It does take time to foster a feral cat, because they need that time spent with them to socialise them. It can be quite process.”
The group are looking for more volunteers to help with monitoring the traps and donations to fund desexing, healthcare and basic necessities for rescued cats.
Adopting the cats costs a fee which goes towards further care for other rescues.
- The bank account number for donations to the group is 01-0867-0185220-46
