Feral felines receive a helping hand from Benoni ‘cat lady’
She has over 50 cats, from stray and abandoned to abused cats, in her care.
A non-profit company that helps orphaned, feral and abandoned cats is hoping to make an impact on the feral cat population at Mall@Carnival.
The Murphy Cat Project was started in 2005 when founder Cecilia Morris adopted a Russian blue by the name of Murphy.
Since his death, her home has become a haven for a number of cats in need of love.
While based in Western Extension, Benoni, the organisation helps cats in need throughout the Johannesburg area and recently rescued a young female cat found at a church in Brakpan.
The project does everything in its power to keep the rescued cats healthy and find them good homes.
Morris explained the organisation aims to perform TNR (trap-neuter-return) on the cats at Mall@Carnival.
TNR is a humane and effective method for managing feral and stray cats and reducing their numbers.
They are trapped and taken to a veterinary clinic where they are sterilised.
Morris told the Herald there are about 25 cats living at the mall behind the Pick n Pay and others near the Checkers.
“They are not completely feral and are quite tame, they seem to be used to people,” she said.
The project has been feeding these cats since the beginning of the year.
“There were nine babies born last week and we will take them when they are ready and find them homes,” she said.
“Doing it this way also means the babies will tame up very quickly.”
Read: Looking for homes
Morris also relies on the kindness of other cat lovers who foster cats until new homes are found for them.
She has over 50 cats, from stray and abandoned to abused cats, in her care.
In order to help the cat population at the Mall@Carnival, the organisation requires funds to pay for veterinary bills.
“I work with a few veterinary practices in my area, but in order to make it less traumatic for the cats, we wanted to find a vet a little closer,” said Morris.
Dalvet Animal Clinic in Dalview recently agreed to help with the sterilisation of the cats.
Donations can be paid directly into the vet’s bank account.
Morris also praised the Brakpan SPCA for their support.
“They are wonderful and often help us with cat food,” she said.
The organisation welcomes donations of cat and kitten food, blankets and cat baskets.
Community members can also support the organisation by donating to its Back-a-Buddy fund-raising campaign.
The banking details for Dalvet are:
Bank: Absa Brakpan
Account number: 40507 40197
Reference: 44047 Carnival Cats
Proof of payment must be emailed to cecilia@mgeng.co.za
For more information about The Murphy Cat Project visit their Facebook page.
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