Kat-titude celebrates seventh birthday
Kat-titude celebrated its seventh birthday of service on Friday.
Local feral cat rescue organisation Kat-titude celebrated its seventh birthday on Friday.
The organisation that has sterilised and cared for over 4 000 cats, both domestic and feral, started its journey with only two traps.
“I remember getting a call from veterinarian Dr Thulani Mthimunye, who invited us to his office. He handed us two traps and told us to get out there and work,” said Tanya Kitching, a Kat-titude member.
Kitching recalled how, because of a lack of knowledge, they failed dismally at catching the first feral cats, but that did not deter them.
“We learned to cover the trap to calm down the cat, so it looks dark. We then went back to the factory, and that is when our story started,” she added.
Mthimunye says their story is one of success, as their efforts have reached national proportions.
“We have people as far as Cape Town adopting our cats because they trust us,” said Mthimunye.
The organisation works hand-in-hand with the Springs SPCA to deal with situations where they have no jurisdiction.
“When there are instances of abuse, we contact the SPCA, who will do the investigations until it has been proven if allegations are true, but those cases are rare,” said Kitching.
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Mandy Thorpe, another member, warns residents not to move the feral cats from where they found them because these cats have marked that colony and that environment as their home.
“Much like domestic cats, feral cats get attached and have marked their homes; and removing them from that space will frustrate them,” said Thorpe.
“It becomes dangerous for them as they will try by all means to go back to their home.”
She said Kat-titude feels blessed to have the opportunity and hopes to have helped 7 000 cats by their next birthday.
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“The ladies of Kat-titude have gone above the call of duty. They have helped cats in homes and other places like prisons and schools,” Mthimunye added.
“They will wake up early in the morning to help other animals, not just cats.”
Thorpe says their work would not have been successful without the help of Mthimunye.
“He helps to sterilise the cats so they do not overpopulate the area”
Mthimunye pats the office cat, Luna, as he speaks about how he used to be a ‘dog person’, but due to working with Kat-titude, he is now a cat person.
“Mthimunye would have cats come in that needed to be put down, but would nurse the cat back to health and get them re-homed,” Thorpe added.
“He truly has a soft heart.”
The organisation plans to host more events, such as bingo nights and outreach programmes, to continue their work.
