Having completed her survey and carried out ‘The Plan’, Zélia Santos, ably assisted by Jenny Clarke, APAA’s president, successfully trapped and removed 12 cats from Rita’s back yard. Two, however, remained at large, agreeing a return to collect the missing vagrants.
Feral felines are very clever. But they do fall for a snack or two. Which they did! However, a small snag hit the SNiP arrangement. ‘D’, as he will be known, husband and owner of property, decided that one of the two females should be set at liberty. What? “She can go to a friend’s house. He has mice. He’ll need more than one cat!” Really?
The Spaying and Neutering Programme, run by the Association for Protection of Animals Algarve, is not used to this sort of haranguing. Especially when ‘D’ expected Zélia to deliver the cat to the neighbour. Pause. Litter can mean rubbish or a group of young cats. Also a couch for carrying people. Or cats it would seem. Needless to say, Zélia trapped the two female cats and they were whisked off for SNiP’ing. ‘D’ would have to swallow his manly pride. All 14 cats are SNiP’d and at home in their private colony.
APAA’s well used motto ‘Here to Help’ not only covers the local community’s needs, but that of other shelters and charities, large or small. Also attempting to increase awareness of SNiP, reducing the unwanted, increasing, feral feline population.
They are taken off the street, attended to as seen fit by a vet, SNiP’d and returned to a safe environment within the community or found a forever home. Sometimes, lodging in with a kindly shelter or kennel.
Diary dates
- Pop-Up shop at O Tasco, near Senhora do Verde (Portimão). Monday, March 18, 12pm-3pm. Friendly menu available. Book direct 282 471 769.
- APAA’s AGA Tuesday, March 19, Recanto dos Mouros, Silves. Raffle and mini ‘Pop-Up’ table (members only for AGA meeting at 11.30am). Lunch 12.30pm. Lamb Stew or Bacalhau and Prawns. Couverts, soup, dessert and drinks. €24 members, €26 non-members.
- Stall at Convento’bio Lagoa, Friday, April 5, 11am-4pm.
- Quiz Lunch and Raffle at VIMAR Grill, Carvoeiro, April 23, 12.30pm for 1pm. Choice: Roast Pork or Dourada. Couverts, veg soup, desserts, drinks. €22 members, €24 non-members.
- Can’t make it to a ‘Pop-Up’ or event? Visit the charity shops in Alvor and Silves. Both bursting with goodies, ornaments, duvets, rugs, larger household items. Friendly staff to chat and help. Not forgetting Jenny’s jams, preserves, marmalades and Jackie’s cookies too!
For events, book direct with Jenny: 919 041 903 or events.apaaportugal@gmail.com
General: info.apaaportugal@gmailcom
Cat Colonies: zelia.santos@live.co.uk
By APAA
