Sam speaks about his passion to help feral cats
“Animals have always been close to my heart, but specifically those which have been abandoned.”
Edenvale resident and member of Edenvale Ferals Sam Williamson is one of several community members who give up their time to care for the feral cats at Horwoods’ Farm.
Sam, who has fed the cats at Horwood’s farm for the past three years, said he got involved after he saw an elderly gentleman feeding cats at the park.
“During one of my walks around the park, I noticed the man feeding the cats and spoke to him to learn more about what he was doing.
“I asked him if the cats were his to which he replied that they were ferals.”
Soon after learning this information he decided to help the animals.
Sam explained that Edenvale Ferals, a non-profit company which focuses on assisting feral cat colonies, recently took on feeding the colonies on a regular basis.
“There are several volunteers who feed the cats on a daily basis.”
Sam said the NPC cares for between 10 and 20 cats at the park.
He said Edenvale Ferals relies a great deal on the generosity of the community to care for the feral cat colonies of Edenvale.
“Most of the food we use to feed the colonies is donated by the community.
“Procedures such as spaying, neutering or veterinary visits are covered by the fund’s community members, donated by funds collected during donation drives.
“The NPC also relies on sales at the Tails and Whiskers Charity Shop where they are listed as a beneficiary.”
If a new cat makes an appearance at one of the feeding stations, the group will catch it and notify the surrounding community.
If no one claims the cat, it is put up for adoption.
Sam said the NPC has had two rehomings and has reunited one cat with its owner so far.
“Animals have always been close to my heart, but specifically those which have been abandoned.
“I feel for them, I often ask myself how humans can just dump animals and abandon them.”
Although the cats at the park are cared for by Sam and other like-minded individuals, there are occasions when they are at risk.
Sam said in recent months, one of the cats which lives at the park had been shaved along its tail, the back of its legs and along its side.
Sam said on some occasions, snares, presumably used to catch birds and other small animals, have been found in the park.
Email Edenvaleferals@gmail.com or visit the NPC’s website to learn how you can assist.
