What began as a simple act of kindness towards one hungry feline has transformed into a full-time mission for a South London woman, who now finds herself caring for a colony of 20 stray cats.
An accidental cat colony begins
Lexi Lochore, a 37-year-old yoga teacher and personal trainer, moved into a five-bedroom house share in Southfields, Wandsworth, in March 2025. She immediately noticed several cats roaming the neighbourhood without collars.
"I watched them over several weeks and they were alarmingly skinny," Lexi recalled. Her concern grew until April, when she decided to feed one cat that appeared at her back door while she sat in her garden.
That single act sparked an unexpected chain reaction. The first cat made itself "right at home," and soon others "followed the trail of food" to Lexi's property.
The growing challenge and costs
By September, Lexi had become what she describes as a 'cat mum' to over 20 local cats who "refuse" to leave. The financial commitment has been substantial, with over £1,000 spent on veterinary bills including spaying seven cats.
Her weekly food bill now exceeds £60, totaling approximately £240 monthly. Additionally, she has invested around £600 on essentials like toys, straw, and four cat houses costing £25 each.
"I never expected for it to be this extreme," Lexi admitted. "I was happy with caring for five maybe six cats. But then they all started to get pregnant - and it just grew from there."
Rehoming efforts and future hopes
Despite the challenges, Lexi has successfully rehomed seven cats through careful vetting of prospective owners. She uses the Next Door app to connect with potential adopters and has found support from a volunteer named Sharon.
"I ensure I vet prospective owners vigorously," Lexi emphasised. "I don't give my cats to just anyone."
The cat lover believes she's addressing a wider issue, stating there's "definitely a stray cat epidemic in the UK." She hopes to eventually find "loving, beautiful homes" for all her moggies, though she jokes about having to dodge her landlord in the meantime.
Lexi maintains a strict feeding schedule with breakfast at 8am and dinner at 5pm, plus occasional treats. The cats now wait outside her home at "all times of the day," knowing exactly when mealtimes occur.
While she admits caring for so many cats is "daunting and hard work," requiring sacrifices to her social life, Lexi remains committed. "I believe I'm doing what any good and moral person would be doing," she stated. "It's not the most ideal situation to be in, but I'm doing my bit."
