Farzana is a lecturer at VUT in the Department of Tourism and Integrated Communication. She has also been excepted to pursue a Master of Social Sciences.

This bright, kind-hearted woman might be small in stature but is fulfilling a huge task all on her own. She is the founder and director of The Feral Carer NPC.

“The primary aim of this campaign is to raise funds for the 12 feral colonies I am committed to caring for. I feed approximately 300 feral cats daily,” explains Farzana.

(Visit her Facebook page The Feral Carer NPC providing detailed stories and photos of her involvement at the various feral colonies).

She is the self-appointed feral carer at the Vaal University of Technology including the main campus residence, Isak Steyl Stadium, Quest Conference Centre, five student homes, an open field near her home, and also her residential complex.

“Since I began this initiative my involvement in feral welfare has increased with each passing year. I have learned more and realised the importance of educating youth and adults on the importance of feral cat colonies. I will always endeavor to advocate for their wellbeing.”

Her daily routine starts early each day with coffee, followed by cleaning and sanitising the litter boxes at home. Due to her kind heart, many of the cats she takes care of at the colonies have found their forever home under her roof. For this purpose, a special cattery had been built to keep them safe and secure.

Please take note that taking care of 12 colonies is a mammoth task and therefore The Feral Carer cannot take in any cats and kittens from people.

After feeding the cats at home, Farzana can focus on her students.

By around 15:00 it is time for her to start feeding at the colonies. This can take up to three hours a day. There are days she also has to trap some of the cats and take them to the vet.

On days like these she returns home (sometimes emotionally drained) after 19:30. But then she still has to feed her own kitties!

“I take pride in the maintenance and sustainability of my colonies by ensuring that the ferals have fresh food and water daily, rescuing pregnant, abandoned, injured and/or abused feral cats or kittens,” says Farzana.

She is also a proud supporter of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR). The Three Rivers Veterinary Clinic in Vereeniging has a specialised TNR program for feral cats.

“I am immensely grateful for their efforts in assisting with the sterilising and neutering procedures. To date, approximately 120 cats have been sterilised or neutered through the programme and there are many more that will benefit from this cause,” says Farzana.

The Feral Carer is an ongoing initiative. In order to keep feeding the feral cats at these 12 colonies, Farzana needs the support of the community.

“Please support my cause by becoming a monthly donor. All funds received will be used for purchasing food for the ferals, veterinary visits for foster cats and kittens, much-needed supplements, purchasing of materials for feral shelters and anything else that would make life a little easier for the precious kitties,”

If you would like to donate towards this worthy cause donations can be made into The Feral Carer NPC account:

THE FERAL CARER NPC
FNB ACCOUNT #: 62915444327
BRANCH CODE: 250655
REFERENCE: YOUR NAME AND SURNAME

Your generosity is so appreciated!