A welfare group caring for dozens of cats and kittens has issued an urgent appeal for funds, with a “deluge” of new felines putting a strain on volunteers.
Western Isles Support for Cats and Kittens (Wisck) is currently caring for 47 animals, with more being taken in on a daily basis.
The organisation was set up in February following the closure of the local Cats Protection branch.
And it says it is facing a “perfect storm” due to an “overwhelming” need for its services during mating season combined with limitations imposed by the ongoing pandemic.
One trapping exercise in Shawbost resulted in 20 adult cats being brought into care, including eight who were pregnant – resulting in a sharp rise in the number of kittens in the organisation’s care.
Wisck cat care co-ordinator Karen Cowan said: “Spring is always the busiest time of year for cat rescue, with nature taking its course and un-neutered pets out looking for mates, at the same time as feral colonies produce dozens of kittens at any one time.
“This year there has been the added strain of seeing a collapse in opportunities for fundraising as events are cancelled and shops shut, plus we’ve had to put in place a completely new set of working practices to keep our volunteers safe as well as our cats.
“When we set Wisck up we had no idea we would have to face so many challenges, or lose so many chances to raise funds.
“Quite simply, we need all the help we can get.”
For more information email: wisck2020@gmail.com
