Sandton SPCA cats get climate-control upgrade in sick bay
Recovering animals at the animal welfare facility now have ideal heating, cooling, and humidity conditions to boost their healing process.
For sick and vulnerable cats at the Sandton SPCA, recovery is about more than medication and veterinary care — having the right environment can make all the difference.
The animal welfare organisation recently received a much-needed boost after Elmecair and LG South Africa donated a wall-mounted air-conditioning system to its cattery sick bay, helping staff maintain a stable temperature for animals undergoing treatment.
Read more: People power drives Sandton SPCA’s animal-saving work
The sick bay is reserved for cats and kittens that are ill, recovering from treatment, or particularly young and require additional care.
According to Sandton SPCA General Manager Nick Smith, temperature control is an important part of ensuring the animals recover safely.
“The reason we have this separate section is those young and sick animals need particular temperature control, amongst other things, to ensure their health and recovery,” said Smith.
Before the donation, the facility relied on a fan that pushed air through an open door, making it difficult for staff to control the temperature inside.
The new air-conditioning unit, mounted on the wall of the sick bay, has changed that by providing controlled cooling and heating as well as humidity control.
The system has been set to 25°C, which Smith said is optimal for cats and kittens recovering from illness.
“Through the kind donation of Elmecair and LG, we now have a proper climate-control system, which is air-conditioning, and we also have the humidity correct as well,” he said.
“We’ve set this one up at 25 degrees, which is an optimal temperature for cats and kittens to recover and sick animals to recover.”
Also read: Sandton SPCA rescues a vervet monkey in Sandhurst
For the SPCA, the donation is more than an upgrade to the facility; it is an investment in the well-being of animals that are already vulnerable.
“Essentially, it’s really vital that we have that for the good condition of animals. So we’re really grateful for the donations,” said Smith.
“We have some cats making a bit of a noise in the background, which is a good sign. It means they’re healthy and are recovering nicely.”
Once cats and kittens have recovered and are old enough, they are moved from the sick bay to the SPCA’s adoption cattery, where they wait for their next chapter.
Smith said the Sandton SPCA has about 18 to 25 cats and kittens available for adoption at any given time, along with dogs and puppies.
He encouraged members of the community looking to add a furry friend to their family to consider visiting or contacting the SPCA.
“If somebody’s looking for an animal, a cat or a kitten or a dog or a puppy, or occasionally farm animals, please do get in touch. We’re always happy to assist.”
Details: Email info@sandtonspca.org.za or call 011 444 7730.
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