Gnasher's first Spring
Gnasher is a wildcat living in the area of Middleton in Hartlepool.
Published 05 May 2018
He was born on may 13th 2017 and is the last kitten of the two colonies as all females are now neutered. For this reason, Gnasher is special. The history of the two colonies started in the original plot where the Middleton Fishermen's cabins were located, going back 16years, with Gnasher's grandma Mrs Mog who is still with us.
Gnasher was neutered early, before he was even 4months old so he has never wandered and is such a character.He has had an interesting first winter not liking the white stuff that covered the place for a week at a time. He would walk around crying and complaining to all who would listen. He did help keep the rodent population down by catching a few rats and mice. He loved the christmas trees and decorations that the facebook page for the wildcats of middleton had donated. He loved them so much they are still up.
Now spring is here he is much happier, and even caught a young thrush yesterday, he was very proud of this but all have learnt that he does not share. lf any of his cat family came near he would grab his prize and run under a cabin with it. He was not quite sure what to do with it so just like the rodents he catches, it was not eaten, we threw it in the sea so it was not wasted. It went back to nature.
Recently while he was minding his own business eating lunch under a bench away from seagulls, one came down and joined him underneath, Gnasher instantly turned and leapt upon it with his arms wrapped around its neck, the bird was about twice his size. It managed to fly off without taking him with it. The seagulls do get more bold in spring.
Spring is also in the air for the towns domestic but not neutered tomcats who visit in the hope of a quickie but find no receptive females. Some stay to have a free lunch and make friends with the wildcats.
Gnasher is a playful boy who is often seen stalking and pouncing upon a member of the colony though never daddy who he loves but daren't push his luck with. Amazing he looks the image of his dad and his dad Salem is also the image of his own father who was Mrs Mogs partner until he died in 2016 as an old cat.
He is quite tame as long as we do not try to take liberties and try to stroke him. He waits at the gate for Jim who is the main one that feeds them. He hears his van pull up and runs over and follows him until they are fed. Later when Jim leaves he often follows him out to escort him from the premises. You can see this in the photo.
Gnasher loves to visit the beach at middleton with his family, there has been two storms lately with spring tides, that have changed this beach and taken away tons upon tons of sand, at least 8ft in depth. This has made it a great place to venture out when its quiet to explore.
On May 13th Gnasher will be a year old so he is looking forward to celebrating this.