The plight of the feral cat

It’s almost the end of another busy ‘kitten season’, putting feral cat colonies in the spotlight once again.

While there are many cat lovers out there, not everyone is a feline fanatic and even those who are agree that cat populations must be kept under control.

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Enter Project Feral Cat (PFC), an NPO established in 2017 to do just that – keep feral cat colonies under control.

PFC raises funds to trap, neuter and return (TNR) feral cats, effectively putting an end to the breeding cycle.

But as more stray cats wander the streets, perhaps being dumped by unwilling owners, the cycle perpetuates.

Wandering, unsterilised pet cats mating with feral cats add to the problem, resulting in an over-abundance of feral or unwanted kittens.

While the onus is on the pet owner to sterilise their animals, it is not law in KZN as it has recently become in the City of Cape Town.

Given that a cat’s gestation period is between 58 and 67 days, and that a female feline can fall pregnant quickly after giving birth, cat colonies

quickly spiral out of control.

It is a common misconception that the extermination of feral cat colonies will solve the problem – that is not the case.

Once an area is cleared of feral cat populations, that area becomes a free-for-all for other feral cats to move in, and the cycle continues.

TNR offers the best solution to keeping feral cat populations under control.

The continued monitoring of the colonies through regular feeding also means any sickness or injuries are attended to.

To donate to PFC, visit its Facebook page, Project Feral Cat, or use the bank details below:
Name: Project Feral Cat (PFC)
Bank: FNB Account: 62723232493
Branch code: 260150
Ref: Your name

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