“Thousands, upon thousands, breeding even more.” Jenny Clarke, President has her own version of Cat Woman, Zélia Santos. No. Yes. Prowling about catching the cats whilst napping on leafy lanes and in sunny hedges. After the vet has checked them out, they are then SNiPped. Ouch. Better than the seven-times-seven ratio when mummy feline gives birth and then hey presto the gang gets even greater and furrier. People do complain. “The great thing is, that some of the feral communities have gone private.” What? “The kindness of people and common sense does prevail in the end.”

Zélia’s team is spread around the Algarve. “Money is an issue. But our ‘Pop-Up’ shops and events help enormously. As our public give and buy endlessly.” Charity shops in Alvor and Silves are also a great help. All our teams are made up of volunteers. Obviously, we have to pay vets and carers but they do give us special rates. “Lady was discovered by the Silves shop, they have helped with the costs for her Spaying. Her aftercare with Pet Park at reduced fees as well.” Sound good! The long-standing motto ‘Here to Help’ has indeed done just that.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Client;

ARA’s industrial washing machine, The Moncarapacho home for young adults, losing their animal friends. Cadela Carlota cat mission. The events at Jackie’s & Anita’s have helped with Anita’s ‘Pop-Up’ shops at various venues. The Ferragudo car boot sale was invaluable, as was Lagoa’s Convento’Bio, stalls. Even St. Vincent’s at Praia da Luz Holiday Inn is now closed for refurbishing.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Client;

“We may still have paintings and mirrors for the discerning buyer!” Jenny grins. White van zooming off in the distance. Jenny is at the wheel. Privatisation of cat colonies can be started in a small way. A house, an apartment, here, or there. The cats will be well looked after and given a happier non-productive life. For years. “One urbanisation fought against the idea, at first. But gradually came to realise that setting up a cat colony was a simple and safe answer. Away from the humans, which they quite frankly prefer.” Feral cats are not like the feline pet kind. Jõao in Ferragudo, a fisherman by trade helped by Zélia has his own little colony. Sounds fishy? No. Lots of Omega3 no complaints. Interested in setting up or helping?

Contact either APAA or Zélia directly. info.apaaportugal@gmail.com Web: www.apaaportugal.com

Pet Park late Bookings: Gary & Wendy 926660465. Cat Colonies help & info: zelia.santos@live.co.uk