Why do the cats have to go from Hilton Head’s airport? Friday the cat awaits fate
Cats: 0. Beaufort County: 1.
The colony of cats that live on Hilton Head Island Airport grounds is one step closer to eviction.
A controversial policy that would ban feeding wildlife on airport grounds passed through the Beaufort County Public Facilities Committee at its Monday meeting, and is on its way to the County Council.
If approved, Beaufort County Animal Services will trap and relocate four cats currently living near the airport parking lot, which have long been fed by airport employees.
The county council will decide the felines’ fates either at their next meeting on March 24, or the following meeting on April 14.
Why the cats have to go
The new policy was brought forth late last year to address concerns about wildlife from a Federal Aviation Administration inspection.
The policy “is in line with other policies at airports around the nation” aimed at minimizing wildlife strikes with aircraft, said Beaufort County Airports Director Jon Rembold at the meeting.
“What it is not is a specific policy that hones in on any specific item at the airport,” Rembold said.
According to a wildlife hazard assessment conducted last year, the majority of wildlife strikes at the Hilton Head Airport are caused by birds such as mourning doves and shorebirds.
Will Friday the cat get a fur-ever home?
Out of the four cats that call the airport home, one black-and-white tuxedo has captured the hearts of employees and visitors alike.
Nicknamed “Friday,” the black-and-white tuxedo cat is known for his cheerful mews and affectionate personality.
An online petition titled “Save Friday the Cat!!!” asking the county council not to approve the policy has garnered 1,681 signatures as of March. 17. The petition is authored by Hilton Head nonprofit All About Cats.
One airport employee has expressed interest in adopting Friday, according to Hannah Nichols, Public Information Officer for Beaufort County. The other three cats will be relocated to the All About Cats sanctuary, just north of the airport.
This story was originally published March 18, 2025 at 12:49 PM.
