A village of kindness for Uvongo's feral colony
Anonymous acts of kindness have transformed the lives of the feral cats at Uvongo Pier.
Many kind hearts have come together to make life a little easier for the feral cats that call Uvongo Pier home.
For years, Antoinette Anderson and a dedicated team of volunteers, operating under the non-profit organisation Small Paws on the Coast, have quietly cared for the colony.
Their daily efforts ensure the Uvongo Pier Feral Cat and Bird Colony are fed, have fresh water, and receive ongoing care as part of a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programme.
Recently, their dedication was rewarded with a heartwarming surprise.
When Antoinette arrived to feed the colony, she discovered that anonymous supporters had added cosy, carpet-lined boxes to the large shelter built earlier this year by Taylia Lycett and her partner, George Tripepi.
They had also added blankets and pillows to keep the cats warm during the cold winter nights.
The generosity did not stop there. Fresh food had been left for the cats, treats were provided for the birds, and even Larry, the resident dassie, received a special snack.
Antoinette has since discovered the identities of the kind-hearted women and, to her amazement, they have gone a step further.
They have now covered the cat boxes with plastic to protect them from the rain and replaced the two smaller shelters with wooden ones next to the main shelter.
All of this was done with the beautiful intention of creating a safe and comfortable haven for the colony.
The ongoing project has been a true community effort.
Earlier this year, Shiven Chetty donated pallets used to build the shelter, while a local garden service regularly volunteers its time to keep the area neat by cutting the grass.
Antoinette said the cats have quickly made themselves at home in the new boxes and shelters, which provide much-needed protection when the strong coastal winds blow.
On behalf of what she affectionately calls her “Uvongo Pier feral children”, Antoinette thanked everyone who has contributed to the project through donations, materials, time and acts of kindness.
Anyone wishing to support the ongoing care of the colony can contact Antoinette on 083-680-5967.
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