The Murphy Cat Project needs your help

The Murphy Cat Project, situated in Western Extension, began its journey in 2004 and registered as an NPO in 2019.

The NPO is directed by Theo Zaakse, Derek Morris and Cecilia Morris.

Sharon Hitchcox, a foster mother for the project, said the founder Cecilia had heard that cats and kittens found at her place of employment were being taken to the SPCA to be euthanased.

“She took action immediately,” said Sharon.

“Cecilia took all the cats and kittens home with her and within the first year had bottle-fed 63 kittens and spayed 32 adult cats.”

The project now looks after about 150 cats and kittens.

“While based in Benoni, the project receives calls from all over Gauteng and even as far as Cape Town, Durban and Bloemfontein,” said Sharon.

“We try to help where we can, depending on transport. We also manage two colonies of feral cats in Brakpan.”

According to Sharon, the project has grown immensely over the years.

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“In my opinion, it is becoming known all over South Africa, England, Thailand, Vietnam, Pennsylvania and New Zealand,” she explained.

“I have a client that is studying in New Zealand who adopted from us.

“Her kitten is almost three years old and lives with her dad in Brakpan.

“The Murphy Cat Project needs a bigger cattery to home those that are not adopted, those with special needs and those bottle feeding but is struggling to bring in the funds, so everything comes out of their own pockets.

“Cecilia used to have a boerewors stand and her husband, Derek, sells secondhand goods every Saturday at a stall and on the internet,” explained Sharon.

“We also have a Back a Buddy appeal, which was started by Warrick Morris.”

Many wonder how the name Murphy Cat Project came about.

“Murphy was a cat that I bottle fed,” explained Sharon.

“I loved him so very much but, unfortunately, he died at six months old and we named the project in his honour.”
How the project works

“It depends entirely on the feline’s needs,” explained Sharon. “Cecilia will receive calls and then ask who could help with bottle feeding or taming.

“Lactating moms are usually kept with Cecilia in her cattery.

“Neonates are placed with the lactating moms and, if accepted, stay with her until a foster mom has space, then they are transferred to foster mom, tamed, fed, vet checked and put up for adoption. Some babies go directly to a foster mom.

“We trap, neuter and return while Ana and Robynne feed feral cats in various places. Once able to trap the adults, the babies are sent to one of the foster moms and the adults neutered before returning to nesting grounds.

“Most of the foster moms have feral cats that visit our homes for food.”

“I cannot do this without the fantastic support that I get from my fosters. Michelle has recently come on board, and is growing our social media rapidly,” concluded Sharon.

The project is in desperate need of support as vet bills are standing at R35 000.

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Below are some of their needs:

• Donations towards their vet bills.

• Any cat food, tins, soft food sachets or biscuits.

• Litter.

• Kitten milk and food.

• Household goods, which they sell at the market to pay bills.

• Bigger plot for the cattery.

• Scales.

• Hot water bottles.

• Syringes.

• Bleach, dishwashing liquid, washing powder.

• Blankets.

• Cat beds.

• Toys.

• Miracle nippers.

• Water bowls.

• Cages.

• Cat carriers.

• Poop scoops

• Traps.

For more information on adopting or if you would like to donate to The Murphy Cat Project, contact Cecilia on 072 463 6916 or Sharon on 083 654 0747.