Sterilisation of feral cats gets underway
The organisation was started in 2005 by Benoni resident Cecilia Morris and helps cats in need throughout the Johannesburg area.
Thanks to donations from members of the public, the Murphy Cat Project has been able to kickstart its efforts to ensure the feral cat population at Mall@Carnival does not increase.
Two cats, among dozens that live behind the Pick n Pay and Checkers at the local mall, were taken in for sterilisation last week.
The Murphy Cat Project, a non-profit company that helps orphaned, feral and abandoned cats, is hoping these two will be the first of many from this feral colony to be sterilised.
It was reported in the Herald’s September 18 edition, ‘Forgotten felines receive a helping hand’, how the organisation intended to perform TNR (trap-neuter-return) on cats at the mall.
Read: Feral felines receive a helping hand from Benoni ‘cat lady’
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.
While this may seem like an easy task, the organisation requires funds to pay for veterinary bills.
The Dalvet Animal Clinic in Dalview agreed to help with the sterilisation, but there are still costs involved and the organisation relies on donations.
The Murphy Cat Project has also been feeding the feral cat population at the mall since the beginning of the year. Towards the end of last month, 14 kittens were removed from the colony.
The kittens, some of which were getting into recycling bags in the rubbish disposal area, were removed for their own safety.
They will be rehomed once they are ready, along with dozens of other kittens and cats rescued by the organisation.
The Murphy Cat Project does everything in its power to keep the rescued felines healthy and find them good homes.
Read: Dark day for SPCA staff
Community members can help the Mall@Carnival cats by making a donation, which can be paid directly into the Dalvet Animal Clinic’s bank account.
The banking details are:
Bank: Absa Brakpan
Account number: 40507 40197
Reference: 44047 Carnival Cats
Proof of payment must be emailed to cecilia@mgeng.co.za
The Murphy Cat Project also welcomes donations of cat and kitten food, blankets and cat baskets.
It is in need of dry cat food for the Mall@Carnival feral colony.
Residents can also support the organisation by donating to its Back-a-Buddy fund-raising campaign.
For more information about The Murphy Cat Project visit their Facebook page.
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