Shrewsbury rescue centre seeks special homes for six shy farm cats after 80 felines found living at one property

The RSPCA is hoping to find outdoorsy homes for six felines at its Gonsal Farm Animal Centre in Dorrington, south of Shrewsbury. 

Farm cats, or outdoorsy cats, don’t necessarily have to live on a farm - but they need a home with some outdoor space for them to explore, such as a smallholding or riding stables. 

Some have even found alternative homes such as at a model village, an orchard or a gazebo company.

Dominika Jagoda, pet welfare expert at the RSPCA, said: “We love cats and their independent nature but unfortunately it can take longer to rehome a farm cat compared to a homely, affectionate cat. 

"However, we know there are lots of people out there who have plenty of space and room in their heart for a shy, or outdoorsy feline.

“We want to educate the public that not every feline will be an easy-going affectionate cat. Just like us humans, there are a range of personalities and preferences across each individual cat which comes into our care. 

"Farm cats will need less human interaction than a typical domestic cat but they still need someone to look out for them and over time they may want to spend more time with you and allow you to give them a little fuss!”

Farm cats are often nervous around people but still need someone to provide food, water, shelter and veterinary care when needed.

Three-year-old Sprite is one of the six cats at RSPCA Gonsal looking for an alternative home. She came into the charity’s care with another cat due to concerns for her welfare. The other cat is friendly with people but Sprite is "not interested" and is finding cattery life quite a struggle.

She is an all-white female who is neutered, fully vaccinated, microchipped and had flea and worming treatment. The staff believe she may have partial hearing so will need a home that isn’t close to any busy roads.

The five other felines are five-year-old ginger cat Copper; one-year-old ginger tom Dusky; three-year-old black cat Silky; four-year-old white and ginger cat Tiger and one-year-old ginger and white female Lemon. 

They were all rescued from the same multi-cat household where around 80 felines were living in one property, meaning that they have not had much socialisation. Copper, Dusky, Silker and Tiger are all male. 

All six cats are neutered, fully vaccinated, microchipped and treated for fleas and worms. They could be rehomed together as they came in from the same home or separately. They would like to live in a barn, stables or outbuilding with someone around to keep an eye on them, provide them with food and water and veterinary care but allow them to be independent moggies too.

For more information on rehoming a farm cat from the RSPCA, visit https://www.rspca.org.uk/findapet/rehomeapet/process/rehomeacat/farmcat.

To see other cats available for adoption, please visit www.rspca.org.uk/findapet.