It has more than its fair share of year-round sun-traps, a balmy atmosphere and treats on hand, all for a few hours work a week – what’s not to like?
So it is no wonder that Shadow the cat has abandoned his owners for the good life at Inverness Botanic Gardens.
When head gardener Sarah Speakman noticed she was getting an occasional feline visitor, she gave the cat the nickname Flora and shared some snaps of the new guest on the Garden’s Facebook page.
Little did Ms Speakman know that the cat’s owners had moved away and were missing their pet.
The family were reunited with the help of Inverness Cat Rescue, and Shadow went home – well, for a while.
He struggled to enjoy indoor life and, after a number of attempts to re-settle Shadow, his owners decided that they were happy for him to be cared for by the High Life Highland Team at the Botanics.
In return for regular meals, care and the affections of the team, Shadow has taken up the role of providing security for the gardens against the threat of rabbits feasting on the fauna.
Ms Speakman said: “We’re delighted that Shadow has chosen to make his home in Inverness Botanic Gardens, and enjoy this beautiful space. Shadow has been a great help to the team in deterring the local rabbit population and is rewarded handsomely with regular meals and accommodation in a sunny greenhouse, along with lots of cuddles from staff and visitors.”
Heather Swinton Raven from Inverness Cat Rescue added: “We’re delighted that Shadow has chosen what he perceives to be the purrfect life for a cat at Inverness Botanic Gardens.
“Inverness Cat Rescue provides a valuable service re-homing stray and unwanted cats, as well as operating a lost and found service for worried owners.
“While Shadow has found a great new home, there are many other cats in Inverness that are still looking. Our work is entirely funded by donations so if you’re looking to re-home a cat, or just help a local organisation please visit
http://invernesscatrescue.co.uk/
”
