A security guard at Road Lodge Potchefstroom, Kgosietsile Phele, has been looking after feral cats who roam the area since 2010.

He has given these community cats unconditional love since they were kittens – since then, they have been inseparable.

“These cats are my best friends here in Potch. I have four cats (Bear, Snowy and Shelly and an unnamed one). They are special to me. When I am not in a good mood, they meow and come to me. I know they need my attention,” says Kgosietsile.

These cats are not fond of humans and usually run away, but with Kgosietsile, it is different. He feeds them daily and gives them attention and care.

Feral cats are usually born and raised in a colony on their own. They can be tamed, but it takes real time and effort.

It is also really important to control a feral cat population using TNR (trapping, neutering and returning) programmes. Feral cats (that are sterilised) have numerous benefits to communities as they can give people a sense of purpose, having to feed them daily. These cats also control rodent populations.

The public can help by supporting local shelters and caregivers who spend hours feeding feral cats and creating a loving atmosphere for these fur babies.