Time to let the cat out of the bag

06 November 2017

Chris and Edna share their cat tales

By day, treasured feline Skye is a sometimes cuddly, sometimes aloof companion always willing to assist with hanging out the washing.

By night she transforms into a fearsome rat hunter but also a formidable street fighter.

So her owner, Murwillumbah resident Chris Peate tries to keep his cat inside at night, after adopting her from the RSPCA a few years ago.

Fellow Murwillumbah resident Edna Gorton admits her cat Tiger has the run of the house, with plenty of toys to play with, cardboard boxes to sleep in and newspapers to rip up. Edna says she keeps her rescue cat inside at all times to ensure she is safe from the busy road near their house.

“I wouldn’t know what to do without her. She is such great company and is always waiting at the door to greet me when I come home from work,” Edna said.

Edna and Chris are two of the many Tweed residents who have responded to Council’s Love Cats Love Wildlife community survey, which has been extended to 27 November to allow more people to provide their input.

The survey, funded by the NSW Environmental Trust, is the second in a series of questionnaires by Council to help shape future animal welfare education programs for the Tweed community.

It is open to all Tweed residents, not just cat owners, and takes about 15 minutes to complete.

The survey can be completed online by visiting Hots Topics on Council’s website. Printed copies are available at Council offices, Tweed libraries and some veterinary surgeries.

Residents who complete the survey and provide their name and contact details will go into a draw for a $25 gift voucher.

Participants can also learn about the Tweed’s ‘citizen science’ Cat Tracker project starting early next year.