Feral cats get the boot

The colony is allegedly running rampant and cats keep climbing into the centre’s roof.

The National Cat Action Taskforce chairperson Anneke Malan, however, believes that they should stay where they are, and that there is a strict code when dealing with feral colonies.

“It is not wise to remove such cats. It has been found to be essential for any public institution where there are people – and therefore food sources – to maintain a colony of feral cats, which keep rats and mice, as well as snakes, in check and keep foreign cats out.”

The Taskforce believes that cats are the best form of rodent control, as poison causes more harm than good.

Malan said that managing colonies means that they needed to be fed – on top of consuming rodents and garbage. Fed cats stay more active, and when fed away from buildings, seldom enter premises due to their skittish nature. Healthy cats also tend to be more active hunters.

Sterilisation is all-important, as, according to Malan, it ensures the colony doesn’t expand and is easier to maintain.

Malan added that almost all the cats at The Leaping Frog Centre have, in fact, been sterilised – at the personal cost of caregiver Carol Dike – but George Genev Management asked that the animals are no longer fed.

She agreed that the cats getting into ceilings is a problem, although the Taskforce has been working towards keeping the cats, as removal spells death.

“Removal should only be applied where cats are ill or in a bad condition; there is no alternative haven for feral cats,” Malan said.

Merinda Brits from Four Paws Fourways agreed that the animals served a unique function and shouldn’t be removed.

Merinda Brits from Four Paws Fourways agreed that the animals served a unique function and shouldn’t be removed

“They are a direct result of humans’ irresponsibility not to have their cats sterilised, starting many years ago. This has resulted in huge over population of cats living on the streets, multiplying even more,” Brits said.

She added that it was near impossible to rid areas of these cats, and as a result, colonies with territories should rather be looked after.

“A sterilised feral colony will not allow other ferals to move in,” she said.
Brits also made it clear that the cats pose no threat to humans, further justifying their stay.

“Ferals cannot be re-located or re-homed due to their nature. Removing ferals therefore means killing them,” she concluded.

Details: www.ncat.co.za or www.four-paws.org.za