Efforts are underway to remove more than 50 feral cats which are ‘quietly co-existing’ on the grounds of a Nottinghamshire secondary school.
Dozens of black and white cats in nearby woodland had gone largely unnoticed by Toot Hill School’s almost 2,000 pupils, but they’re putting a lot of pressure on local rescue centres.
The cats are said to be ‘relentlessly’ breeding, resulting in 45 cats, including 15 kittens, a few weeks ago.
A campaign has been underway to trap, neuter and rehome the feral animals, but only 12 have been captured so far.
Efforts to get the rest could take six months, according to Zoey Sheffield, who runs the rescue service Cat Patrol, based in Mapperley Park, which is already at bursting point.
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‘It’s quite a problem. It’s difficult because it’s £100 for a neuter and we’ve got to fundraise,’ she said.
‘If someone leaves two cats that aren’t neutered, they will go to a place where they feel safe and begin to breed. They are prolific, so it doesn’t take long for a colony to form. They have about five litters a year.’
It isn’t the first time a colony has exploded at Toot Hill School, with 18 being removed from the grounds two years ago.
Zoey said the school is an ideal situation for feral cats, with nearby woods and lots of squirrels and birds for them to survive on.
Dr Chris Eardley, head teacher at Toot Hill School, said there had been a ‘remarkable shift’ thanks to community efforts to rehome the cats.
‘Our school and the neighbouring leisure centre have quietly coexisted with a group of feral cats that have made their home on our shared grounds,’ he said.
‘While their presence has occasionally posed challenges, we have always approached the situation with compassion and a desire to find responsible, humane solutions, though progress has been difficult.’
Dr Eardley said he’s grateful to families who adopted the kittens and local vet practices, which are giving support to the neutering process.
Zoey added that her rescue is ‘full to bursting’ with more than 187 cats and kittens: ‘It’s absolutely relentless this year. There’s no let-up and no help.
‘Every single day, we’re getting calls to take 20 cats and kittens. It’s the worst it’s ever been, and the funding’s not there.’
Ms Sheffield said the RSPCA are unable to assist due to the cats being in ‘quite a good condition’ and it not being classed as a cruelty case.
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