A charity is urgently seeking assistance to save a group of 15 “inbetweener” cats that are facing eviction from a triangular area of vacant land.
These felines currently reside on a stretch of land located between Besson Street, New Cross Road, and Briant Street in south-east London; however, the site is set for development, forcing them to relocate soon.
Cats Protection is reaching out to residents in south London who have spacious and secure gardens, as well as businesses with outdoor areas, to consider adopting the cats in pairs before they are displaced.
Kathy Vanner, a volunteer with the charity in the Blackheath and Deptford regions, expressed that the cats are “in grave danger if we cannot find them new homes shortly.”
She mentioned that while the cats “frequent the garden of a compassionate woman who feeds them” and occasionally “come inside during colder weather,” the garden isn’t a suitable permanent residence for them, leaving their future precarious.
“Their territory is encircled by busy main roads, so if they scatter in search of new homes and food sources once the land is cleared, they are highly vulnerable to traffic,” she highlighted.
“They will lose not only their source of food but also their refuge from the dangerous roads that threaten their well-being.”
The cats, aged between 10 months and 5 years, have already been neutered.
Those who adopt them will need to provide daily food and water, but Cats Protection will supply a temporary relocation pen along with a more permanent shelter if needed.
“Inbetweener” cats like this group thrive in outdoor settings where they have access to shelter and regular feeding.
While they can establish a trusting relationship with their feeders, they generally prefer to avoid physical contact.
Elle Hatam, Cats Protection’s regional behavior officer, noted that a sizable garden would grant them “the option and room to engage with their caregivers if they choose to.”
“With enough time and space, they may decide to come indoors or interact with people, but this will occur solely on their terms and at their own pace. However, there should be no expectation for them to do so.”
For more information, individuals can visit the Cats Protection Blackheath website.
