Calls to tackle growing feral cat crisis in Fenland

Toni Loose has helped trap cats and kittens around Wisbech for 18 months, and in the past three months, she has trapped about 90 cats, which have been neutered and then released to help control feral colonies.

"It is well-known among cat rescues that Wisbech and the surrounding fenland are currently facing one of the worst stray cat crises in the country, and the scale of the problem is overwhelming," she said.

Toni Loose has been helping to trap and neuter cats and kittens across Wisbech over the past 18 months. (Image: Toni Loose)

"I have trapped 56 adults and about 30 kittens in the past three months, but I feel I am barely scratching the surface. There are still huge numbers left in local colonies that have not yet been neutered," said Toni, who got involved after rescuing two cats that turned up at her workplace about 18 months ago.

She spends her evenings trapping cats and taking them to vets for neutering and other essential treatment, funded by Cats Protection and Wisbech Cat Welfare.

Toni said: "Many cats are living with severe, preventable illnesses, and vulnerable kittens—some only a week old—have been pulled directly out of bramble bushes.

Toni Loose has been helping to trap and neuter cats and kittens across Wisbech over the past 18 months. (Image: Toni Loose)

"This crisis is entirely preventable. If every pet owner neutered their cat, we would not have hundreds of animals suffering on the streets.

"Cost is no longer an excuse as the Cats Protection covers our area and offers vouchers for low-income families, bringing the cost of a neuter down to just £10. If people cannot afford £10 to have their pet neutered, then they should probably not own a cat in the first place."

Toni praised the charities for providing equipment, advice and help with veterinary bills.

Toni Loose has been helping to trap and neuter cats and kittens across Wisbech over the past 18 months. (Image: Toni Loose)

She said: "I could not do this work without the incredible support of Cats Protection and Cat Welfare.

"Both charities have been amazing, providing equipment, expert advice, facilities, and covering thousands of pounds in vet bills."

Toni Loose has been helping to trap and neuter cats and kittens across Wisbech over the past 18 months. (Image: Toni Loose)

The public are being asked to donate or raise awareness to help cut the district’s feral-cat population.