TO celebrate ‘World Feral Cat Day’ in October, learners from Eden College in Glenwood decided to raise funds for their own school cats by having a civvies dress up day.
There are a number of feral cats that live in the vicinity of the school premises, and the school decided – as part of its drive to be ecologically-conscious and environmentally-friendly – to look after them. Feral cats, if sterilised and fed, are a formidable vermin control squad for any organisation or company. Cats are clean animals, and kill rats, mice, cockroaches and repel snakes.
The initiative was inspired by Cats of Durban, a voluntary organisation that looks after the well-being of the stray and feral cats in the city and promotes sterilization.
“We are thrilled that Eden College decided to look after their cats. Caring for animals can be a vital part of a child’s education as it teaches empathy and responsibility. It would be wonderful if more schools followed Eden’s lead,” said Niki Moore, founder of Cats of Durban.
Once the cats on the school property have been trapped, they will be sent to local vets for sterilisation. They will then be released back at the school, where a feeding programme will be set in place. This is much to the delight of the children, many of whom are thrilled about taking turns to feed the cats. A parent from the school has offered to donate cat boxes and food bowls to arrange a feeding station.
