Written by Daleen Kotze-Chibesa (Vice-Chair Harties Feral Cat Rescue)
Photography by Katherine Orr
One chilly morning earlier this year, a tiny kitten’s life was about to change forever. Found shivering and soaked in a puddle of water, she was barely clinging to life when Harties Feral Cat Rescue volunteer Melody Pretorius spotted her during an early-morning feeding round in Mooinooi. Without hesitation, Melody scooped the fragile kitten into a warm carrier – a simple act that would set in motion a beautiful rescue story.
The next urgent step was finding her a safe place to heal and grow. Marinda Barnard, one of our incredible foster moms, quickly raised her hand to help, giving the little kitten a temporary home filled with love and warmth. Soon after, she was moved to another foster mom, Kirsten Cragg, who continued her journey towards a brighter future.
Named Peppa, this tiny fighter quickly blossomed into a lively and spirited kitten with a heart full of adventure. She became famous for her antics during family braais, where she loved exploring the yard, chasing shadows, and soaking up the happy atmosphere. Whether it was the mouth-watering smells, the buzz of conversation, or just her zest for life – Peppa was always at the centre of it all.
True to kitten nature, Peppa adores her cuddles, but she also has a big personality and a wonderfully silly streak. She’d often “help” Kirsten with studying by sprawling across textbooks or entertain everyone with her mischievous escapades. Every day with Peppa was filled with laughter, love, and the joy that only a kitten with such an unforgettable spirit could bring.
It wasn’t long before her perfect match came along. Savina, who fell in love with Peppa’s charm, welcomed her into her forever home and gave her a beautiful new name: Mila. Today, Mila lives her best life, safe, loved, and still brimming with the same adventurous spirit that first captured our hearts.
Here’s what her new mom, Savina, has to say about her:
Mila: A Ball of Ginger-Spiced Joy
It’s been just over three months since little Mila came into our lives and completely stole our hearts. As the first kitten I’ve ever had, I never imagined how deeply this tiny bundle of joy would work her way into my heart.
When she first arrived, our tortoiseshell, Phebe, wasn’t impressed. Mila was greeted with hisses and looks that clearly said, “Excuse me, who are you, and why are you in my space?” But, as with all good things, the idea of a new furry friend slowly grew on her.
Mila is a tiny tornado with a (very) vocal approach to life. Her favourite hobby? Turning the entire house into her personal racetrack. She zooms from room to room, leaving only the sound of scampering paws and enthusiastic meows in her wake. After a day of high-speed adventures, she curls up in my arms, tucks herself under the blankets, and purrs herself to sleep – ritualistically.
With my Bulgarian roots, the name “Mila” stood out above all others – almost as if she chose it herself. Mila means “dear” or “gracious”, although I’ll admit that we’re still working on the gracious part… (haha).
She’s the best co-pilot when it comes to car rides. Whether it’s a trip to the recording studio or a quick grocery run, she stretches out on the back seat like it’s a lazy Sunday morning. She’s also firmly decided that bathroom trips are a team activity – adamantly sitting on my lap, offering unwavering moral support.
Mila has brought love, laughter, and just the right amount of chaos into our lives. And although she adores her dad, let’s be honest – she’s mommy’s little girl. As for Phebe? Well, while she may have the “honour” of enduring daily sneak-attacks, she’s warmed up to the idea of having a little (terrorist) sister.
Here’s to many more years of zoomies, snuggles, and, of course, more “gracious” chaos in her forever home.
From a puddle of water to a life full of love, Mila’s journey is a reminder of the incredible difference a little kindness – and a lot of love – can make.
