LES CHATS DU MERCANTOUR.

A Day in the Life of..... Leslie Frasier.

No two days are ever the same for in the hectic life of Leslie Frasier. Her life is dictated by small furry creatures, some tame, some wild. As well as caring for a number of stray cats who now live with her, Leslie is the dynamic force behind the Association of the Chats du Mercantour. This is a charity founded in 2006 by Leslie, dedicated to rescuing stray cats. However, it is much more than this.

Coming to the Mercantour from America, and having a background of working in a veterinary clinic specialising in female cat care, Leslie began over time to notice the huge population of stray cats in and around La Haute Tinee where she lives.

Leslie is a one woman revolution pioneering the concept of having all stray cats neutered.This seemingly somewhat drastic measure is, in fact, a seriously considered, humane and practical way to limit the increase of unwanted kittens who usually meet with an untimely death through shooting or drowning. Unsterilised females can have up to three or four litters a year, which may result in  poor health for the mother. It is best for both males & females to be neutered, the cats are healthier and much better tempered after the operation. The rate at which cats can multiply is incredible, two feral cats between them and their offspring produce over 2,000 kittens in a three year period.
Unfortunately, not all the outlying villagers see this precautionary measure in  a positive light, many of the old farmers and villagers are unwilling to accept Leslie's  offer of rounding up their local cats, taking them way to the vet's overnight and returning them the next day. Yet they complain over the noisy fights the Tom cats get into and the cries of the females on heat.

However, some of the public do take note and Leslie was contacted by a man who had read an article on Les Chats du Mercantour in the Nice Matin. He had a cousin in the wilds who would be prepared to have some of the local stray cats neutered.

Leslie set aside two days in which to capture, deliver to the vets and return to the wild as many cats as could be found in the locale. Along with another association volunteer, she set off on the expedition. And it was... Leslie was the first American to have visited such an isolated village. On arrival at lunchtime at the end of a completely deserted road, beside a lonely cottage she set up the cages, strategically placed and managed to lure eight cats in. Leslie and helper explained to the two elderly brothers what they were trying to achieve and left them in charge while they ate a quick picnic. The brothers managed to trap a further three, then through joint efforts, there were fourteen cats caught by 4 pm. The brothers then helped catch another four raising the grand total to seventeen, some male, some female.

All safely in the specially purchased van, the cats were driven down the crazily winding roads to an awaiting vet who performed the necessary operations. After recovery, the cats were then transported back up to the tiny mountain village. Leslie was rather taken aback on arrival by the old brothers doubting if they were all the same cats that she had left with the previous day. They seemed to suspect Leslie and the vet of being in cahoots and swapping their stray cats for some others!

All in a day's work for Leslie!

Leslie is currently planning  to convert a dilapidated grange into a cat sanctuary. This is will take a great deal of effort and financial help to happen. On top o the expenditure of routinely catching and neutering strays, making sure they're wormed and not suffering from feline leukemia or Aids, she has taken her caring role further. I met with Leslie and talked about her ambitious project. It sounds wonderful, the cats can roam free in their natural habitat, yet shelter and food will be provided. She has a huge struggle on her hands, from trying to get planning permission to canvassing for pockets of money from the local Maires and the Conseil General to finding the time and volunteers to help with building expertise or to contribute financially. We hope to keep up to date with the latest developments and to chart the progress of the sanctuary. With your help, it will happen!

I have first hand experience of the great work Leslie does; recently I adopted two of her neutered stray cats and they are a joy. Charlie and Lola were abandoned on a campsite where campers threw stones at them. If they hadn't been rescued by the Association of Les Chats du Mercantour, who knows where they'd be - certainly not reclining on my sofa in the sunshine.

If you would like further information or feel you can contribute either financially or by becoming a helper, please contact Leslie on 04.93.02.33.41 or 06.18.94.35.76 or check out the website http://leschatsdumercantour.monsite.orange.fr