Mall saves feral cat colonies
"There are no more kittens. Instead, there are three healthy colonies and three feeding stations, but we still need committed volunteers."
The parking area and loading bay at Cradlestone Mall hides a number of secretive, gentle animals, who keep to themselves and survive despite numerous challenges.
They peep through crevices and cracks, meow every once in a while and often show off their incredible fur to passersby at night. They are feral cats. They live outdoors, have almost no contact with humans and even after attempts are made to socialise them, remain fearful of humans, tending to avoid them as much as possible.
Photo: Bianca Pindral.
But for quite a while, these feral cats were in grave danger. Many of them had diarrhea and were starving. Some of them even ate out of the rubbish bins.
Also Read: Cradlestone cares for feral cats
This is when Annetjie van Niekerk and Cradlestone Mall’s managers launched a project called Operation Feral Cats to establish a clean and healthy population of cats.
Photo: Bianca Pindral.
“The aim of the project is to promote education, awareness and understanding of homeless cats. Cradlestone Mall supports the reduction of the number of free-roaming, abandoned feral cats,” said Katlego Maseloane.
Annetjie put out food and water for the cats. She also set traps to catch them, so they could be sterilised and then released. They also placed litter boxes in some of the places they knew the cats visited. And within a few weeks, the cats were doing a lot better.
But, the project needs some help from the public …
“With your generous support, we can continue to assist the feral cats. We need dry cat food, big feeders for food and water, and kennels and blankets to give shelter. Should you want to help, please donate any of these items at the Information Desk, located at Entrance 5,” Katlego said.
Photo: Bianca Pindral.
“There are no more kittens. Instead, there are three healthy colonies and three feeding stations, but we still need committed volunteers.”
For more information, contact Annetjie on 082 920 7022 or send an email to info@cradlstone.co.za.
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