For the love of cats
Linda and Buks De Jongh, from Castleview, care for a colony of feral cats.
A colony of feral cats found near an open veld in Castleview is under the care of animal lovers Linda and Buks De Jongh.
The couple discovered the cats years ago and have been feeding them ever since.
“The cats reside in an open veld that is opposite where we live and we immediately wanted to help in the best way possible,” said Linda.
“We couldn’t take them in to live with us because there are a lot of them and they are feral, which is why we decided to feed them instead.”
Buks said they noticed that the cats were multiplying as they continued to feed them.
“We realised that the more we feed them, the healthier they become, which makes it easier for them to conceive,” he said.
“This was when we decided to get them sterilised as we don’t want to stop feeding them.”
Buks set up safe traps, in the veld, in order to capture the cats.
“I built a safe trap, near where we feed the cats, to capture them and get them sterilised at a veterinary hospital,” he said.
Before capturing the cats, the couple began their search for a veterinary hospital.
“We contacted the different veterinary hospitals in the area,” said Linda.
“Our conversations with the vets were great and it, among other things, showed that they genuinely love and care for animals and are not only doing it for money.”
Linda said they managed to reach an agreement with the Germiston Veterinary Hospital.
“The hospital was very accommodating,” said Linda.
“We explained our aim to sterilise the cats and they offered to help us by doing it at a discounted rate.
“We are truly grateful for their assistance.”
Dr Leroy Gambanga, from the Germiston Veterinary Hospital, said they are happy to help the couple.
“It is the least we can do for the couple and cats,” said Leroy.
“We are sterilising the cats at a reduced rate but they are paying the rest out of their own pockets, which is a pure selfless act of kindness.
“The cats are in our area and we felt that we could also do our part to help.
“We have also decided that for every six cats they sterilise, we will sterilise the seventh one for free.”
Leroy added this was another way to help the SPCA.
“The SPCA is overwhelmed, so this is another way to reduce the load for the SPCA,” he said.
“We are always willing to help where possible; times are tough for all of us but we try and assist.”
Leroy said the cats brought in by Linda and Buks look rather well fed for feral cats.
“I didn’t know that the couple fed the cats. I was amazed at their condition until they told me that they feed them,” said Leroy.
The sterilisation of the cats began this year.
“We only started to sterilise the cats in April and so far we have sterilised nine,” said Linda.
“The hospital also tags the cats on their ears as an indication of which cats have been sterilised.”
The couple thanked the hospital for their assistance.
“We appreciate what the hospital is doing for us and the cats, thank you,” said Linda.
“Another thank you goes to family and friends who help us with funds and those who have promised to help us.”
Also read:
Adopt an animal from the Germiston SPCA
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