Island cat rescue group WISCK is planning a fit of the zoomies to raise much-needed cash, with a sponsored 5k run on Saturday 8 April.

Zoomies, as every cat owner knows, are feline fits of speedy running about, and Western Isles Support for Cats and Kittens hopes plenty of people will get infected by the spirit as they save up for new cat pens.

The cat group has been neutering, rescuing and re-homing lost, abandoned and feral cats for three years now, and their rescue pens were inherited from an earlier era when the national cat charity still had a branch on the island.

Years of use have left those pens in a battered state, heavily used to the point that, despite being very well looked after over the years, they need frequent repair and the Hebridean weather has taken its toll.

A WISCK spokesperson said: “After much discussion with the amazing company Pedigree Pens, we have ordered two new twin pods with heated sleeping quarters, storm guards and a special robust roof that will protect them from our delightful weather! 

“The pens are made from UPVC which will make keeping them clean so much easier for our volunteers.”

Posh pens don’t come cheap though, so the 5k fun run has been planned as a fundraiser as well as a way for cat-lovers to get together – even if they also want to bring their dogs.

Starting at 11am on 8 April, the run takes in a simple route around the castle grounds, from the Woodlands Centre, with a finish at the castle green.

There are trophies for the first male and female, in under-16 and adult age groups, and medals for all finishers.

Cat-themed fancy dress is welcome but optional and entries can be made, at the cost of £5 or £3 for accompanied under-16s, at https://www.entrycentral.com/wisck5k by midnight on Friday 7 April.

The pictures show the new pens planned for rescue cats and the medals and trophies all ready for next week’s event.