SECUNDA – One of the worst things a person can do to his domestic cat, is to dump it or its unwanted kittens in a feral colony.
“Domestic cats, or even stray cats, will not survive in a colony, as they are bullied by the colony cats,” explained Ms Nicolette van Zyl, founder of Feral Watch TNR, a non-profitable organisation that is focused working among feral cat colonies.
Yet this is a practice that happens often in Secunda.
“In fact, the extent of cruelty against animals, in particular cats, in our area is staggering,” said Ms Van Zyl.
Volunteers from Feral Watch were called out to numerous incidents where cats- either feral or domestic – were kicked, beaten, trapped in a drain pipe and even sprayed with doom.
Newborn kittens were dumped along the road, others were discarded in a box and covered with a stone and a very ill little kitten was just ignored as passersby stepped over or around her.
“At least finding this one, led us to discover a new growing colony living in the delivery area behind Cosmos Pharmacy and Choppies.
“Now we can at least trap and neuter the cats to curb their growing population.”
Ms Van Zyl said this colony comprises of about four males and 10 females with their young.
According to Ms Nadine Cox from Cosmos Pharmacy, they are helping Feral Watch with the finances to trap and neuter the cats in the colony.
They have also converted plastic containers into cat shelters and food stations and placed them strategically where the cats can feel safe.
Ms Cox said the pharmacy is challenging other organisations to better them in this quest to help the cats in town.
Ms Van Zyl is extremely thankful towards the pharmacy for their pro-active approach.
“We are often asked to remove a colony. I refuse to do this. Feral cats are scared of humans and their interaction with humans are minimal.
“Removing cats, and especially kittens, from a colony is extremely stressful for the animal. True ferals do not have immune systems and can quickly fall ill.
“The best way to deal with ferals is to trap them individually, neuter them and return them to the habitat they know.”
Neutering is the best option to control the feral population. Every four months is kitty season if a feline is not spayed.
“The only time we will remove an animal, mainly kittens is when they are extremely ill, injured or in danger.
“We had to remove several kittens from the colony at the pharmacy because of severe eye infections where the only option was to remove an eye. In such a case, the kitten will be fostered,” said Ms Van Zyl.
The organisation’s vet bill is high due to the various vet runs and they are often at work to raise money for these expenditures.
“I am so thankful to all the vets who help us.”
People who want to get involved with Feral Watch can contact Ms Van Zyl on 082 781 9435.
