Concern over fate of the Pets’ Corner cats

Apr 3 2009 by Edwin Lawrence

DON’T forget the Pets’ Corner cats. That’s what worried animal lovers are telling the Ayrshire Post.

And they’re also telling South Ayrshire Council that ‘putting down’ the cats should not be the solution.

A semi-wild cat colony has developed at Belleisle Park over the years.

There is a family of seven who are regularly fed at Pets’ Corner.

And another pair are fed at the Belleisle Park café.

Worried park users were alarmed by a council statement earlier this month.

The statement explained that nine ‘feral’ cats are fed to discourage them from attacking birds.

But it went on: “Due to their feral nature they cannot be re-homed, and the council is taking advice from Cats Protection.”

At that time the South Ayrshire branch of Cats Protection had heard nothing from the council.

And a spokesman admitted: “We have had many calls about the cats, with many people concerned they will be abandoned, or worse, rounded up and put down.”

Many people point out that the cats aren’t totally feral, having been neutered and receiving veterinary care when required.

They say that Pets’ Corner animal carer Carol McColm has given them all names.

The seven at Pets’ Corner are: Alpha, Beta, Fatso, Phantom, Tiddles,Thomas and Suki.

A Cats Protection spokesman said: “These cats are healthy and would be a great asset to any smallholding, stables or farm where they could keep the vermin population in check.

“All they need is a holding pen on any new site – where they can be kept for up to four weeks to allow them to become familiar with their new home – fresh water, a clean warm place to sleep and food on a daily basis.

“In return they would control the mouse population, saving any new owner a lot of money in lost grain or food supplies and help in the prevention of diseases carried by vermin.

“Our branch would assist in trapping the colony and with their relocation to new homes. We would also provide flea and worm treatment for all cats before moving.

“South Ayrshire Cats Protection cares about all cats, domestic or feral, and will do all we can to assist with the colony at Pets’ Corner.”