Feral cat project makes a massive difference
PROJECT Feral Cat was founded in 2017 for the purpose of trapping, neutering and releasing (TNR) feral cats in the community.
As much as the cats are needed in the ecosystem, they are multiplying too rapidly and numbers can quickly become out of control.
To simply remove or kill the cats is not the answer, as new feral cats will just move in and the problem won’t be solved.
With the TNR approach, the colony is stabilised with a healthy cat population which can be very beneficial to corporates, complexes and shopping malls, as they keep rodents at bay.
The cat’s left ear is tipped to show it is sterilised, and cats receive a rabies and 3-in-1 vaccination and treatment for ticks and fleas.
‘With KZN being declared a high rabies risk area, we are doing our part to prevent this disease from spreading,’ said project founder Heilke Ackerman.
To date, Project Feral Cat has sterilised 1 504 cats and homed 380 feral kittens which are sterilised.
‘We work with local veterinarians Dr Singery in Meerensee, Dr Fourie and Dr Simone in Empangeni, as well as state vets and Dr Forsyth, who works on weekend campaigns,’.
‘We have volunteers helping out on campaign days, so all funds go towards the cats in need.
‘I also donate food on a rotation basis to try and assist all the wonderful people feeding and looking after the various cat colonies,’ said Ackerman.
Cat houses were built and placed in various areas.
Donations will be greatly appreciated and can be paid to: Project Feral Cat, FNB account number 62723232493, branch code 260150.
For more information on the NPO, visit its Facebook page - Project Feral Cat Richards Bay.