Caring for the stray and feral cats of Randfontein
While many people see feral cats as a nuisance, the opposite is true because they help to keep the area clean but they should be neutered.
Castaways Animal Sanctuary opened its doors on Saturday, 3 November to the unwanted and unloved animals of Randfontein, providing new hope for them to find loving homes and families.
Louisa Rossouw, the owner of this shelter, has been rescuing cats for over seven years. Working closely together with local veterinarians, Randfontein’s stray and feral cats now have new hope.
She urged businesses to reach out to the shelter to get help and the proper care for the ferals on their properties.
While many people see feral cats as a nuisance, the opposite is true. Feral cats help to keep the area clean, preventing the spread of disease through carriers such as mice and rats, which can cause more damage than the population of feral cats,” Louisa said.
The shelter grew from a small idea which Louisa refers to as trap, neuter, and release (TNR).
TNR is a humane approach to addressing cat problems in a community. It’s an effective way of saving cats’ lives and improves their lives while also addressing community concerns. It also stops the breeding cycle and helps reduce the stray population.
Louisa and her team want to stress the importance of sterilising pets. It does not have to be an expensive process as there are organisations which can help with sterilising your pets.
The shelter’s volunteers and veterinarians visit townships to provide sterilisation to the animals and pets there,” Louisa said.
Louisa and the volunteers at the shelter capture between 15 and 32 strays every month. Once caught, they are sterilised before being released.
Adoption fees at the shelter vary between species but include deworming, vaccination, sterilisation and micro-chipping. Home checks do apply and are performed by trusted veterinarians who will make sure that all adopted animals will be healthy and happy in their new homes.
Next time you have a bad day, or you are in need of some comforting cuddles, visit Cast Aways Animal Sanctuary at 26 Johanna Street, Wilbotsdal, Randfontein.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
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