Volunteers rescuing the feral cat colony at the Stone Cradle restaurant are running out of food and money.
One of them, Ananda Gush, said this week the scope of the work was widening every day as more cats were being found.
“We initially estimated that around 180 cats lived at Stone Cradle. Now, after months of collecting the cats, we realise there are many, many more than that,” said Gush.
“Now, more than ever, we need donations, food, and volunteers to help at the sanctuary in Tiegerpoort where all the cats are taken.”
Stone Cradle burned down in November last year. The thatch roof caught fire which quickly consumed the rest of the building.
High temperatures and strong winds on the day exacerbated the fire, but no one was injured or killed.
The cats found a home in the burnt ruins of the building.
Gush said the skyrocketing veterinary bills for sterilisation and medicine, food and the construction of shelters were making it difficult to bring in more cats without sponsors.
Most of the rescued cats needed urgent medical attention and some of the females were pregnant.
Each cat captured was given a full examination by a veterinarian to see if they have feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), feline Aids, or feline leukemia virus (FeLV).
Those infected were put down as these diseases could spread easily, endangering the entire colony.
The rest of cats were being sent to the sanctuary, where they patiently waited to be adopted by loving families. Most were spending their days lazing under the trees in the garden at the shelter.
The cats enjoyed human affection, purring when being stroked and petted.
Volunteers had spent months constructing special cages that could each house up to 20 cats.
The cats spent three months in the cage before being allowed out to play with other animals at the sanctuary.
Annafré Kreuiter, who runs the shelter as part of Be Wise, Sterilise, said the sanctuary was in need of kitten and adult cat food, supplies (wooden planks and poles, corrugated iron sheets and wire mesh) to build shelters for the cats, and donations towards the immense veterinary bills.
“We would love to have corporate sponsors help us. We always need more food and supplies, but more so, we need donations towards our mounting veterinary bills,” Gush said.
“Those who want to help cover the expenses can either send it to us or pay the vet themselves. We need as much help as we can get, and every little bit helps.”
To get involved with the rescue or to adopt a cat, call Ananda Gush on 083-772-4436 or email anandag@mcmotor.co.za
