A cat that hitched a ride to Oban on a yacht from its home on the isle of Harris has been safely returned to its rat catching duties.
The part tabby, part tortoiseshell was part of a feral colony based at the pier in Leverburgh. He had jumped aboard the charter boat when it stopped on its return to from a trip to St Kilda.
It was discovered last weekend when workers went aboard the boat in Oban at the end of the 166 nautical miles trip.
The cat was cared for by Oban Vets and Argyll Animal Aid, enjoying a week’s holiday in the seaside resort, before return travel arrangements could be made on its behalf.
Fishermen and the owners of Swift Mile garage, based at the pier, share in the cat feeding duties and were keen to have it back.
Its origins were discovered after a plea for information on Facebook by Argyll Animal Aid.
Jean Sutherland, chairwoman of the animal rescue charity, said: “There were people offering to help but they could only take the cat on partial bits of the journey, which is not easy to organise.
“Loganair offered to take it, but then it would have been a question of getting it to Glasgow to then get on a plane to Harris.
“A very kind lady called Cathi Bertin said she had family on Harris and she was going up to visit them and would happily take the cat with her.”
Mrs Bertin, who is project co-ordinator for the Argyll and Bute Befrienders charity, picked it up early yesterday morning as she drove by the charity’s base at Barcaldine en route to Skye to catch the ferry.
It was due to be released with its colony.
Mrs Sutherland said: “I think it went onto the yacht because they go onto the fishing boats and the fishermen feed them and they catch any rats and mice.
“The fishermen were having trouble with their nets, the cats keep them free of rats. The cats get paid with fish.”
The cat, which was originally thought to be female, was discovered to be male when it was taken to the vet for a check up.
Mrs Sutherland said: “He has had a holiday in Oban for a week. We are very grateful to Cathi for taking him home.”
