By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19) RDNewsNOW

Feral cat uses one of nine lives in escape from pop can rings

Dec 20, 2017 | 3:28 PM

RED DEER – The case of a feral cat with a six-pack holder wrapped around its body is serving up multiple lessons about how to prevent similar, potentially deadly scenarios.

Late last week, Red Deer-based Alberta Animal Services received a call from the Medicine River Wildlife Centre after they were notified by a farmer north of Eckville of a cat in distress on his property.

The adult feline and three feral kittens were trapped and eventually made their way into the hands of Alberta Animal Services, who have since removed the plastic from the adult and are now attempting to tame the four wild animals.

Erica Coomber, Director of Operations, says two more weeks and the rings would’ve been embedded in the cat’s neck, likely killing him.

“When you put your plastic in your recycling box, make sure those things are cut up. Putting them inside garbage bags with food is never a good idea,” says Coomber. “It’s so important to contain your garbage – one: it’s safer for animals, two: it’s preventing wild animals from wandering onto your property, and three: it’s just good for the environment to recycle.”

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Alberta Animal Services sees around 1500 animals come through their doors each year, including strays, rescues and surrendered animals. They also provide assistance to citizens who use the food bank by providing pet food.

To some extent, the total number of animals needing help could be reduced, especially in the case of the four brought into AAS.

“Unfortunately people drop cats off in the country all the time,” Coomber points out. “Please bring them to your local animal shelter.”

As for the unnamed cat who’s now healing, Coomber is hopeful he can be tamed. If not, she says they’ll find a good barn for him.

“You can stick your hand in his cage and give him pets. He just doesn’t like being picked up.”

For more information on Alberta Animal Services, which enforces the animal bylaws for The City of Red Deer,