Help to control local feral cat colonies

Sue Allan is a director of FCT, a local non-profit organisation, that takes care of known feral cat colonies in Tzaneen. “Feral cats are a problem made by humans and this problem needs to be addressed by humans. We desperately want to bring the population down by means of trap, neuter, and, release,” says Allan. Dr. Nicolene van der Berg, a veterinarian in Tzaneen who volunteers in FCT’s campaigns explains: “Feral cats are a real problem in the Tzaneen area. They can birth up to four litters a year and within four to six months, depending on the season, those kittens can birth litters as well. It is an exponential problem.”

Van der Berg explains that ideally, TNR campaigns have to be held every three months to control the population numbers of the colonies. “Feral cat colonies have a big impact on the environment and indigenous wildlife,” says Van der Berg, who was born and raised in Hoedspruit and often works with various wildlife species in game reserves in the Mopani district. “African wildcats are under threat by feral cats due to hybridisation when feral cats breed with the indigenous wildcats,” says Van der Berg.

In addition to the African wildcats, lions and other cat species like caracals are affected by diseases, like feline Aids, feline leukemia, panleukopenia, snuffles, and toxoplasma that spreads from the feral cat colonies. Feral cats carry and spread these diseases to indigenous animal species. In addition, feral cats often prey on the local birdlife, small rodents, and small reptiles. “This is one reason that feral cat colony is fed and feeding stations are supplied after campaigns.

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This might make us unpopular in certain circles, but seeing feral cats suffer from malnutrition and disease is much worse. TFC feeds the known colonies twice a week,” explains Allan. The first trap, neuter, and release campaign by FCT is planned for February 11, and funds for cat food, fuel costs, medication, and veterinary supplies, are needed. In November last year, FCT held a campaign in Tzaneen where 29 feral cats were sterilized, and in their first campaign for the year, FCT has a target of trapping and treating 40 feral cats.

Greater Kruger Alley Cats supports their campaigns by providing cages and a volunteer to help trap the feral cats. Local veterinarians from Giyani doing their community service year are also actively involved in these campaigns. Contact Allan on 083 455 9968 to contribute or for more information. What is TNR? TRAP: After adequate preparation, feral colony cats are trapped using humane traps set by experts. NEUTER: The trapped cats are spayed or neutered. RELEASE: After recovery from surgery the cats are returned to where they were initially trapped and supplied with shelters and food stations.