FOR almost a decade, Kitty-Care Durban has dedicated their time to rescuing, fostering, rehabilitating and rehoming kittens and cats.
However, as the number of rescue kittens and cats increases, they are hoping to get more people to foster and adopt.
Tatum Ridgway, 28, formerly of Yellowwood Park, said she decided to start the voluntary-based rescue organisation in 2013.
ALSO READ: Help give cats with special needs a second chance
“I always loved cats and helping animals in general. I was homing for different organisations, but there wasn’t much support. That’s when the idea to start an organisation, which would enable foster moms to offer support and help to each other, came to fruition,” she said.
Ridgway said the organisation has a special interest in raising neonatal kittens until they are ready to be adopted.
“Our foster volunteers are experienced in bottle feeding, medical conditions, and all the special care that a kitten needs to have their best chance at life. Our aim is to assist as many kittens as possible and to help break the cycle of unwanted and uncared for kittens.
ALSO READ: Purr-fect food treats for your cats
“Many of our kittens or cats arrive in poor condition and are in need of medical care. Once we have rehabilitated them, we try to find them homes, but only if they are eight weeks or older and have been vaccinated. We also take in a lot of female cats, especially pregnant ones. One of our objectives is to sterilise as many cats as possible,” she said.
Ridgway, said they are in need of more people to become foster around Durban.
“We currently have 18 active foster parents, but we always need more, especially during kitten season. Rescue kittens are welcomed into their homes and they do all that they can to ensure that they will live healthy and happy lives. However, many of fosters are full, and some are caring for a minimum of 30 kittens. Altogether, we are currently caring for 160 cats and kittens, so we desperately need help.
“There is also a need for fosters in the Yellowwood Park, Montclair, Bluff, and surrounding areas. In recent weeks, there have been quite a few kittens that have been abandoned, either by the mother, or left on the road,” she said.
Ridgway said the organisation relies solely on volunteers and supporters in order to carry out their work.
“Without the help of the community, we would not be able to carry out the work we do for the animals. Our foster volunteers are self-funded and are extremely appreciative of any and all donations received from our supporters.
“We raise kittens lovingly, focusing on their developmental, social and medical needs. Each kitten is treated as a valued individual and we strive to offer them the best care and find them the best possible homes,” she said.
If you are keen to become a foster mom, adopt or want to assist the organisation, visit their Facebook page, Kitty Care-Durban, or Instagram @kittycare_durban, or email info@kittycaredurban.co.za.
For more from Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also follow us on Instagram.
