Appeal to the community to help relocate rescued cats

A local cat rescuer is appealing to her community to help her continue to care for a cluster of rescued cats located in Honeydew Ridge.

“I have built and maintained a beautiful cattery on a plot not far from Curro Wilgeheuwel that houses 40 healthy and sterilised cats,” explained Linda du Preez.

She went on to say that earlier this year the owner of the plot informed her that the property has been bought by a third party and her beloved felines needed to be moved before the end of September.

“I am desperately looking for a place to relocate these cats to as I don’t have enough space to move them to my residence.”

Linda added that she needs to break down the cattery at the current location and fully intends to rebuild it once she finds a new location for them.

“I am not asking someone to take over the care of the cats, I will pay for their food, litter, and even get a caretaker. I just need someone to open up a piece of their land for my cats.”

Linda is appealing to the community, adding that there will not be frequent visitors or possible adopters on the premises as these cats have already gone through horrible circumstances and she has no plans of giving them away.

“They are happy together, although they are still mistrusting of humans, they know that the man I have hired to take care of them, feeds them, and have begun to trust him,” said Linda.

The Roodepoort Northsider visited the cattery to confirm the number of cats, as well as the conditions they live in. Upon arrival no urine smell greeted us and when entering the cattery it was big, open, and had many different platforms and trees for the cats to climb and play on. While most of the cats scattered when we approached them, some came forward for a rub against our leg or a pat on the back.

Freedom Khumalo, their caretaker, was able to greet many of the cats and they looked healthy and well-fed.

Linda mentioned that she made contact with some of the local rescues and unfortunately, none of those she contacted were able to take them in.

“If you have a big open space on your plot or piece of land, please consider helping these beautiful and innocent animals by allowing us to build their new, and hopefully permanent, home there,” pleaded Linda.

She has been running her own feeding and sterilisation project for homeless cats.

“I initiated this project in my private capacity in 2008. Initially, I was supporting two homeless colonies at Westpark Cemetery and a nearby Johannesburg hospital, but over time the number of colonies I have come across, and fed, has increased substantially. I was profoundly moved by the suffering of homeless cats and kittens.”

Linda added that she now feeds nine different colonies as well as 140 cats that are being fostered in different homes. She is appealing to the community for any donation towards the cats as vet bills have started piling up and the sale of the property where her rescued cats live has left her with her head in her hands, praying for assistance.

“If anyone wants to come and see my colonies or need any more information, they are more than welcome to contact me on 082 334 0721,” concluded Linda.