GIVE yourself the purrfect boost in the lead-up to St Patrick’s celebrations.
That could well be the message from The Kilkenny Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals that has launched an Adopt a Barn Cat programme.
The project has the dual purpose of providing homes for semi-wild cats that have been neutered, and in need of a home, while also providing a natural rodent control.
This initiative is based on similar successful programmes in the United States and is aimed at farmers and horse owners whose premises may attract rodents.
Potential new owners will need to show they can provide a safe and permanent home for the cats, provide veterinary care if needed and be in a position to feed the cats.
Noel O’Donoghue, Animal Welfare Officer at the charity told Kilkenny Press that adopting a cat can be a mutually beneficial relationship as you will be saving the life of a healthy cat, while the pet will be a useful resource in cutting down on rodent problems in a safe and natural way.
TAMER AFTER NEUTERING
“All cats that are up for adoption will be humanely caught before being taken to a vet for examination, neutering and full vaccination.
“It is worth noting that cats become tamer after neutering but some cats that end up in our care are unsuitable for a domestic environment.
“They may be born and raised in the wild or are under-socialized and not used to human contact, hence the reason for the Barn Cat Programme,” said Noel.
“We still believe these cats deserve a happy life and that they can be placed with families who value them as much as we do,” he added.
To avail of the scheme people will need to register with Kilkenny SPCA by calling 056-7771635 or emailing [email protected].
Kilkenny SPCA only asks only that cats are given a safe and welcoming home and a donation to the charity.
As a charity, Kilkenny SPCA relies on donations to help fund its important work of animal welfare in the county and is always appreciative of what people can give.
