Feeding Our Ferals KZN

15th Jul, 2024

Written by Director Kim Tyne, who also supplied the photographs

Feeding Our Ferals KZN was established after several years of dedicated involvement in Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and rescue efforts.

Initially, our TNR initiatives were generously funded by Corrie’s Trust, which was dissolved in January 2024 after 13 years of support. Despite this significant setback, our passion for rescue work, particularly TNR and feeding controlled feral cat colonies in the Upper Highway areas of Brackenhill, Waterfall, Hillcrest, and Kloof, remains unwavering. To continue our mission, we registered our own Non-Profit Company (NPC) in 2022.

Feeding Our Ferals KZN consists of full-time foster and bottle-feeder, Kate, and full-time TNR/Feeder and trapper, Kate.

Our Mission

Our organisation is dedicated to providing TNR services and feeding programmes for controlled feral colonies within our scope and area. We collaborate closely with McKitty Cat Rescue, which focuses on neonates, bottle-fed kittens, and taming feral kittens under 12 weeks old.

While many rescues focus on dogs, we believe that feral cat colonies play a crucial role in communities, particularly in controlling rat populations that spread diseases transmissible to humans.

The Importance of TNR

We firmly believe that TNR is the most humane and effective method for managing feral cat colonies and reducing their numbers. In our local vicinity, where we manage colonies, all feral cats are trapped, sterilised (spayed or neutered), vaccinated for rabies and feline diseases, and ear-tipped (as a universal sign that they’ve been through these procedures). After sterilisation, these feral cats are returned to their colonies, where we, their caretakers, provide daily meals, fresh water, and some colonies with shelter. Kittens are fostered or taken in by rescues and adopted out to suitable permanent homes.

Health and Welfare

We ensure that all kittens are healthy and free from contagious diseases before being adopted. Sickly kittens are fostered until they recover and are healthy enough for adoption. While adult feral cats aren’t adoptable, we manage these colonies until they die off. We don’t remove ferals or strays, or remove abandoned domestic cats – our primary focus is feral cats.

Benefits of TNR

When feral cats are sterilised and returned to their colonies, they no longer contribute to the overpopulation of unwanted kittens, and the colony size gradually decreases over time. Additionally, sterilisation reduces nuisance behaviours such as fighting, yowling, and territory spraying, commonly associated with mating feral cats. Sterilised cats are also healthier and less likely to spread feline diseases. They play a crucial role in controlling rodent populations in communities.

Challenges and Support

TNR programmes offer significant advantages over other methods of controlling feral cat populations, such as eradication, which creates a vacuum effect, causing unsterilised cats to move in. Feeding bans and laws regulating cat owners haven’t successfully controlled feral cat populations. TNR programmes attract volunteers and funding, making them a viable solution for communities that can’t afford to sterilise their cats. However, these programmes require significant time and resources from volunteers who often have to fundraise to cover costs.

Our Efforts and Achievements

Feeding Our Ferals KZN has cared for over 100 cats despite the lack of corporate sponsorship or government assistance in sterilisation programmes. We’re actively seeking sponsorship for our rescue efforts, TNR efforts, and providing veterinary care where necessary. We also are in need of donations of food, monetary contributions to our vet accounts, and petrol sponsorships for transportation and feeding feral colonies. As a registered NPC, we’re obliged to submit annual financials to ensure compliance and to ensure that all transactions are above board and ethically conducted so as not to bring disrepute to our organisation.

Conclusion

Feeding Our Ferals KZN remains committed to the welfare of feral cats in our community. Despite the challenges, our dedication to TNR and feeding programmes continues to make a significant difference in controlling feral cat populations and ensuring their health and well-being. We’re grateful for the public support we’ve received and look forward to continuing our mission with the community’s help.

Currently, we care for several feral colonies that rely on us for their daily sustenance. In total, we support over 100 lives, including both sanctuary (rescued) cats and feral colonies.

For donations, which are much appreciated to cover ever-growing vet bills:

Banking details:

FEEDING OUR FERALS KZN

First National Bank

Checque Account

Branch code: 210835

Account number: 630 3996 8855

Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ

Reference: NPC 2022/873200/08

Our Wishlist

Building materials (must be in good condition or sponsored):
Roof sheets, weld mesh (50x50), gum poles, wooden battens, wooden pylons, screws, brackets, rope, astro turf, carpet tiles, pine and plywood for shelving
Materials come in handy for our sanctuary cats and building more space for them
Ferals and all cats:
Food donations:
Kibble – our cats are tried, tested and happy on Ideal, Monty & Me, and Heritage from Catbox or UltraPet
Wet food – tins or sachets (Puddikat and Complete are best buys and most affordable)
Litter
Litter boxes
Cat trees
Cat toys
Deworming medication
Tick and flea treatments
Doxysyrup
Blankets, towels, bedding, kennels, ice cream bowls, cat bowls, F10 disinfectant
Water fountains (for home cats, not ferals)
Storage containers