ABSTRACT
In a recent advertisement for the Cat Action Trust, cute ‘little Darcy’ is shown stepping from an existence in the wild towards a ‘normal’ domestic life as a pet kitten. The text of this advertisement signals a particularly negative view of feral animals in urban environments. It maintains that:
This little kitten was born in the wild and was facing a life of hunger, disease and terror…. Within a few months, little Darcy would have been on his own. Feral cats are the inhabitants of dereliction. They gather wherever they can find food and shelter. The colonies MUST be controlled or the neighbours complain and the cats are killed by the authorities. Please help us to save cats and kittens by sending a donation to help our work. We have Groups, nationwide, saving and caring for feral cats who need love and so much attention if they ever hope to have a happy life.
(our emphasis)