Controlling cats one sterilisation at a time

TRAPPING, neutering and releasing feral cats across the Zululand region since 2017, Project Feral Cat (PFC) recently crossed the 5 000th cat threshold.

To date, the NPO has sterilised a total of 5 427 cats – and counting.

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Putting things into perspective, the sterilising of more than 5 000 cats means millions – no exaggeration – fewer feral kittens on the streets of Zululand.

Founded by Heilke Ackerman and run by her group of dedicated volunteers, PFC’s hub is Richards Bay and Empangeni. However, Mtunzini, Hluhluwe, St Lucia, and other Zululand towns have all called on the NPO’s services to ‘deal with’ feral cats on their streets.

Once released back into their territories, the sterilised feral cats are fed and cared for by dedicated volunteers of PFC, all of whom pay for food, blankets and, at times, vet bills from their own pockets.

The core group of volunteers feed a combined 800 cats in Richards Bay and Empangeni and feel the pinch of the cost of cat and kitten food.

These ‘cat angels’ call on fellow feline lovers to assist in donating dry food for cats and kittens, and welcome financial donations into the NPO’s bank account to cover any potential vet bills or other surprise costs that may arise.

“We thank Empangeni Vet Hospital, Dr Stefan de Bruin and Dr Geoff Fourie for supporting the project,” said Ackerman.

While many people think eradicating feral cat populations through culling is the way to go, this is by no means a solution to the problem. When cats are removed from an area, other feral cats simply move in and fill the gap.

Sterilising and caring for feral cat colonies is the only way of controlling these populations.

To drop off donations of cat food, contact Heilke Ackerman on 061 4103089.
For cash donations:
Account: Project Feral Cat
Bank: FNB
Acc number: 62723232493

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