'Out-of-control' cat 'colony' in Netherton rescued

An ‘out of control cat colony’ has taken over a Netherton neighbourhood with residents calling for action to be taken before a rescue charity stepped in.

Prior to charity involvement over 15 cats and kittens were roaming the street in Netherton with the situation getting ‘out of control.’

One resident from Samuel Lewis Way took to social media and said: “Cats are entering people's homes, getting into kitchens, taking food, causing issues for other pets and leaving cat faeces in residents' gardens to the point where people, including children, cant play in there garden.

“Our main priority is to get the cats trapped and neutered safely so that we can stop the population continuing to grow. We also want to prevent further unwanted litters and improve the welfare of the cats themselves.

“We're really concerned about how quickly this could escalate if nothing is done. We don't want to see the colony grow any further, and we're hoping there might be somebody locally who can point us in the right direction or offer some practical support.”

Following the cries three kittens were safely rescued by Stour Valley Cat Rescue in Stourbridge, however the rescue was already at max capacity meaning the ‘colony’ could not be helped further.

Maurice Bisbey, from Stour Valley Cat Rescue said: “We were made aware, via social media, of the problem. We called on site this morning (November 2), where we met some local residents who have been feeding them and who are trying to organise the rescue of these mainly young cats.

“We managed to capture three young kittens but think there are two or three more there. Although we are full at the rescue we can't ignore such young and vulnerable kittens with the approach of winter.

“Going forward they will be vet checked, blood tested, chipped, vaccinated and neutered, when old enough, which will have a cost to our charity of up to a £1000 in difficult financial times. We know that there are up to twenty cats involved and other local rescues are involved in capturing the cats some of which we know are pregnant, who likewise will have to bear significant vet bills.

“Please please get your cats neutered.”

The residents said they originally received no response from the RSCPA, but after a social media outcry they have now stepped in to ensuring that these cats are being appropriately cared for and neutered.

The RSCPA said: “We are hugely concerned about the numerous animal welfare issues associated with stray and unneutered cats. We are currently experiencing a significant increase in the number of cats in our care and there is always an influx of kittens during the summer due to breeding.

“Along with animal welfare groups and veterinary organisations, we have long highlighted the importance of neutering as part of being a responsible pet owner. Cats are prolific breeders and females can get pregnant from as early as four months old, giving birth to up to 18 kittens a year.

“For the cat population to be controlled, the timing of neutering as well as the overall number of cats neutered is critical. Sadly, many female cats are unneutered by the time they reach a year old, meaning they could have already had at least one litter.

“With the rising cost of living, cat owners are encouraged to plan ahead, make sure they are registered with a vet, explore whether charities, including RSPCA branches, can offer neutering vouchers in their area and take out pet insurance to help cover unexpected costs.

“Microchipping has been mandatory for cats, once they reach 20 weeks of age, since June 2024. It is the most effective way of ensuring you are reunited with your pet if they get lost or stolen, and it is also enormously beneficial in helping to trace potential owners if there are welfare concerns for cats in local communities.”