Feral cats in the Stirling area are to benefit from their own shoebox appeal this Christmas.
Charity Cats Protection’s community neutering team helps unowned cats in Raploch and the wider Forth Valley area, many of which are feral and cannot become domestic pets.
Cat lovers are being invited to make up packages of food and treats to help feed these needy felines this winter.
The charity has been raising awareness on why feral cats are happiest outdoors and the importance of looking after them, including neutering through the charity’s trap, neuter, return projects, and providing shelter and food.
With food prices rising, and more cats needing assistance, Cats Protection is hoping that members of the public will help by filling a shoebox full of food and treats.
These will then be distributed to the cats most in need the week of Christmas by Santa Paws’ little helpers, also known as Cats Protection’s community neutering team.
Box suggestions include wet and dry cat food, treats and catnip.
Community neutering officer Yvette Malone said: “We want to help educate and inform people about the importance of good cat welfare for both owned and unowned cats.
“Although feral cats cannot be domesticated and enjoy living outdoors, they still deserve to be treated with kindness.
“Many feral cats rely on kind community members for food and outdoor shelter, especially during the winter period.
“We have fantastic members of the community who have gone above and beyond for these cats, ensuring they get neutered and continuing their care with food, shelter, and ongoing monitoring.
“The generously donated food from the shoebox appeal will go towards helping them feed the cats most in need of an extra meal this Christmas.”
As well as helping to control feral populations, Cats Protection’s community outreach programmes are also there to support cat owners who may not be able to afford neutering, with subsidised neutering available www.cats.org.uk/what-we-do/neutering/neutering-campaigns
A permanent Cats Protection cat food donation bin is located at Stirling’s Wallace Street Tesco store. Shoeboxes can also be collected by arrangement by calling: 07392 864000/07721 451592 or through social media: Neuter Your Cat Scotland.
