Feral cat population explosion in the Slough area

A feral cat problem has become endemic in the Slough area because owners are dumping unwanted kittens, according to a cat charity volunteer.

Ray Janes, who lives just off Langley High Street, is a field volunteer with the Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead branch of Cats Protection. 

After 13 years rescuing cats, he and his wife Val are now finding all their spare time taken up trapping feral cats and taking them to a vet for neutering.

The 65-year-old great-grandfather said: "So many kittens are being dumped. People get a cat to keep the rat population down if there is a lot of rubbish about.

"They won't bother to get the cat neutered and just throw any kittens out - soon there is another colony of feral cats."

If one female cat breeds it can be indirectly responsible for 20,000 in just five years.

One man in Horton Road, Horton, who put out food for a few cats in his garden had to call Cats Protection after numbers swelled to 40. The final bill for catching them and getting them neutered will cost the charity £2,000.

Ray, who ran Brackenbury Butchers in Parlaunt Road, Langley, for 18 years and now works in security at Heathrow, said: "People need to be educated. An animal should never be taken on unless it can be looked after  properly. They have to be get them neutered and the owner must be prepared to pay for vets' bills if necessary."

Cats Protection pledges never to put a healthy cat down.The charity is totally reliant on public support. But for those who can not afford it, it is offering the chance to get your cat neutered for just £5. Call 01753 581827 for details.

Email maidenhead.cats@hotmail.co.uk or call the branch headquarters on 01628 620909 for information.