Feral Watch & TNR sees increase in feral colonies and strays

HIGHVELD – The team of Feral Watch & TNR has been overwhelmed with the increasing numbers of abandoned cats and kittens in the past month.

Feral Watch & TNR is a non-profitable organisation (NPO) that desperately rely on public funding.

Currently, Feral Watch & TNR looks after 53 colonies that include around 323 cats.

This is without the additional fostering homes that take care of 65 felines which include kittens.

The organisation consists of one bottle-feed foster mom and two foster homes.

In total six full-time volunteers do the daily feeding of colonies situated in the Teks area.

Three volunteers do trapping.

Trapping is a method used to trap felines so they can be taken for spaying or neutering to cut down on the growing breeding population.

Costs are said to be between R500 and R610 for spaying or neutering one feline.

This excludes the compulsory rabies shot which is around R45.

“Felines are also trapped so they can receive medical treatment for diseases such as feline Aids and feline leukaemia. These are additional expenses for our organisation,” said Ms Nicolette van Zyl, spokesperson for Feral Watch & TNR.

She explained that between three local vets, the organisation’s bills are at a high of R13 800.

“Every time we pay, we encounter more ill and injured cats, these include new daily fosters coming in sick.

“Our medical bills include not only our colonies but injured strays.”

She said their organisation also assists people who have no income with vet care and food.

“We try to help the less fortunate with medical care for their cats within our financial capabilities, and per the veterinary agreement.

“However, if we are unable to assist, we will refer you to our sister NPO Because Dogs & Co,” said Ms van Zyl.

From 2019 to date Feral Watch & TNR have spayed/neutered 862 cats.

It costs the organisation around R10 000 a month to feed not only their colonies but also assisting families in need with food for their cats and dogs daily.

“We try our best to assist where we can, however, our expenses are sky-high,” said Ms Van Zyl.

Feral Watch & TNR are currently running a pledge on their Facebook page.

Their Facebook page has 2 624 members and the organisation hopes that each member can commit to donating R10 a month.

This would mean that the organisation can have a guaranteed R26 240 towards the monthly cost.

Other ways to get involved, is by sharing the Feral Watch and TNR posts.

You can also #adoptaferal at R99 per month or enroll in the Sasol for Good program.

Donations of cat/kitten/puppy/dog food, blankets, carriers and toys are welcome.

“We are a registered PBO that is eligible to issue a section 18A receipt for income tax return purposes, you can claim from SARS as a donation.

“We would also love to get more people involved in feeding our colonies, assist in trappings and vet care runs,” concluded Ms Van Zyl.

Although Feral Watch & TNR’s main focus is on cats and kittens and feline colonies, they also assist and care for stray and abandoned canines.

To become a volunteer or for more information, contact Ms Van Zyl at 082 781 9435 or Ms Heidi van Zyl at 082 875 1106 or email info@feralwatch.co.za.