Hilton Head Island’s Airport Cats Face Uncertain Future Amid New Feeding Policy Debate

Hilton Head Island Faces Feline Dilemma at Airport

HILTON HEAD ISLAND — In what could be a dramatic shift for a beloved community feature, plans are underway that might change the future of a local cat colony at the Hilton Head Island Airport. For the last two decades, this colony of cats has lived a largely carefree life, thanks to the kindness of airport employees and local residents who have kept their bowls filled with food. But now, a new policy may change everything.

Meet Friday, the Airport’s Furry Friend

During a recent Beaufort County Public Facilities and Safety Committee meeting, Alexander Michael, an airport employee, held up an adorable photo of Friday, a tuxedo cat who’s become something of a mascot for the airport. “This cat has a name. His name is Friday,” he declared passionately to the committee. Friday isn’t just any cat—he’s part of a larger feral cat colony that has been a common sight at the airport and its surrounding areas. There’s a small cat shelter located on the edge of an overflow parking lot, where curious travelers and locals often spot these furry companions lounging around.

The Proposed Change

However, the future for Friday and his fellow cats is uncertain. The airport is considering a proposal that would prohibit the feeding of animals on or near airport property. This suggestion stems from an annual inspection by the Federal Aviation Administration, which raised concerns about animals near an active airfield. According to Airport Director Jon Rembold, the move isn’t aimed directly at any particular species, including Friday the cat, but is instead a response to wider safety concerns. “It’s about ensuring safety for both the animals and air traffic,” Rembold explained during the meeting.

Safety First

Rembold detailed how interactions between wildlife and airport operations can lead to serious safety issues, such as bird strikes that might occur when animals like cats attract birds. “It’s a chain of events,” he noted, emphasizing the broad implications of allowing animals to roam freely. Feeding pets or feral animals can inadvertently lead to attracting birds, which could pose a danger to aircraft. While the idea of a no-feeding policy may seem a bit harsh, airport officials are insistent that measures like this are essential for operational safety.

Community Concerns

Many in the community, however, are deeply concerned about how this proposed policy might affect the life of the airport’s furry residents. “The local community, the local church, and airport employees have been feeding cats like Friday essentially every day for the last 20 years,” Michael stated, making it clear that these cats have become an integral part of the airport’s environment. Airport employees turned advocates for Friday shared their worries, with one presenting a petition signed by 48 coworkers asking to consider the implications of such a policy.

Next Steps for the Cats

Committee members expressed a desire for more information before making a decision on the proposed feeding policy. Questions arose about how the regulations would work in practice, especially concerning the surrounding neighborhoods where these cats often roam. Councilman York Glover, showing a particular fondness for the cats, voiced his support, saying, “I think cats are good to have around the house. They help control pests.”

The Road Ahead

While the future of Friday and his cohort hangs in the balance, the committee is expected to revisit the matter early next year for further discussions. To them, it’s not just about policy; it’s about the life and well-being of these beloved airport cats. For now, Friday continues to wander the airport grounds, basking in the sun, enjoying the care of people who have made him a local legend.

As the community awaits more updates on this issue, one thing remains clear: the cats of Hilton Head Island Airport have sparked a conversation much larger than themselves, blending the lines between safety, community compassion, and the delicate balance of wildlife management.