‘Out of control’ feral cat population on British island sparks emergency rescue operation

A rescue operation has been launched on a Scottish island amid fears a pack of feral cats could kill local wildlife as they rely solely on hunting to survive.

Western Islands Cats and Kittens Support Group (WISCK) has identified at least 20 cats in need of emergency care on the Isle of Barra in the Outer Hebrides.

This volunteer-led nonprofit aims to engage all catThey are gathered at a local home and are vet checked and neutered before the breeding season.

Hopefully they can find a home.

WISCK said it was taking action because there were too few birds in Barra – which had a population of 1,174 at the time of the last census in 2011 – “to risk an out-of-control cat population decimating” bird numbers .

It also noted that rabbits have not been seen in the area for many years, so the cats cannot sustain themselves by hunting alone.

Due to the lack of natural prey and the animals’ dependence on human provision, WISCK said intervention is needed to prevent the colony from “growing uncontrolled and posing a threat to the welfare of scarce local wildlife and cats”.

WISCK volunteer Maryann Macaulay told Sky News the cats were being captured and transported to Stornoway for veterinary care and neutering.

She said: “This journey was far from simple. It spanned eight islands, involved two ferries, and navigated multiple causeways, which illustrates our commitment and the complexity of the rescue effort.

“The initial phase of neutering will begin tomorrow, with both cats scheduled to undergo surgery.

“Our work is severely constrained by limited space, logistical challenges and the availability of veterinary services as we rely on our sole veterinary clinic to meet the needs of the wider community.”

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Ms McCauley praised the public for their donations and support as WISCK operates purely on volunteer efforts without any formal funding.

She added: “The costs will include veterinary fees, transport, housing and day-to-day care needs.

“We are actively planning a fundraising event and warmly welcome any donation, no matter how big or small. We need every penny.

“Every cat we rescue from Barra is not just a cat or a number, but a life we ​​save from suffering.

“These cats’ journey from being trapped to finding warmth in our shelters is a testament to the incredible network of volunteers and the generosity of the community.

“It’s a huge undertaking, but seeing the difference we’re making to these cats’ lives and to Barra’s ecosystem fuels our determination even more.”