Here are some of the letters of thanks and gratitude we receive from people we have helped, in so many different ways:

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Dear All

I just had to write and thank you!

Four months ago my partner and I moved into a cottage near Sproately, east of Hull, and quickly became aware we had several feral cats living in the garden. While we could not get near them we ensured they were well fed, and suspected one had recently given birth. Tragically, the only time we saw the two kittens was when a dog invaded the garden, uncovered the nest and grabbed them. By the time we managed to intervene they were so badly mauled we had no choice but to put them out of their misery. Naturally, the mother had witnessed everything and was bereft.

Within a month she was pregnant again, and we were determined not to let the same thing happen. After a few strategic whacks the dog stopped visiting, and a few weeks later we were fairly sure she had given birth under the nearby shed, close to where we put their food. I had several long conversations with a lovely lady (Rosie?) in your office, as we wanted to save the kittens from a feral life of constant pregnancies. She gave me lots of excellent advice, in particular advising me to attempt to rescue them at 5 weeks old. When they emerged (there were 2 again) we encouraged them to interact with us at arms length, and a few days later both walked to my feet. I literally took one in each hand and walked into the house.

Amazingly there was no hissing, biting or clawing, and both immediately settled sleepily into the basket we had prepared. Within a few minutes they emerged, started to explore the kitchen and lounge, and since then every

hour we have seen them develop and grow into two small bundles of joy. They have been checked by the vet, dewormed and flead, and are now running around so quickly that we know we would have never have caught them if we had not acted so quickly. Thanks to your organisation’s advice they are destined for a happy, safe and comfortable life, rather than starve and freeze during the winter months. And who knows, when we can hopefully reintroduce them to their mother in a few weeks time, they might even persuade her to come in from the cold.

Everyone thought we were mad thinking of keeping feral cats as pets, but after exactly a week we know they could not have been more wrong. A photo taken yesterday is enclosed of the furry couple, whom we have rather confusingly named ONE and TWO – even that gets a few laughs. My thanks once more.

[Name and address supplied]

October 2011

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