Page 13 - Blue Valley News August/September 2021

ESTATE NEWS
EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF FERAL CATS

ON THE ESTATE

We have partnered with Blue Valley to assist with the
effective management of feral cats on the estate.

nimal Allies is a registered non-profit
organisation caring for the homeless,
Aferal or street cats of Gauteng. It has
been found to be essential for any public
institution where there are people, and
therefore food sources, to maintain a colony
of feral cats. They aid in keeping rats, mice
and snakes out of peoples’ gardens. It is not
advisable to try and control rodents and
snakes with the aid of poison, since this has
been shown to cause ecological and other
problems and has a low success rate. In any
event, no feral colony can ever be removed
entirely successfully, and if efforts are made
to remove such a colony, new cats from the
area simply take their place. We advise that
the colony should instead be effectively
managed, as follows:
Feeding - The cats should be fed regularly.
This ensures that they are healthy enough
to keep rodents, snakes and strange cats at
bay. These cats are doing a job ridding your
premises of pests, and are therefore in fact
working cats. If they are not fed, they will not
go elsewhere, but will begin entering the
buildings in search of food. Their condition
will also deteriorate, eventually resulting in
their inability to keep rodents and strange
cats at bay. A well-fed cat is the best hunter. to you, Animal Allies will arrange for the should check each cat for lactation to ensure
Regular feeding also facilitates the trapping sterilisation of these cats. that dependent young are not left to die of
of such cats for sterilisation purposes. hunger. If all cats are removed, it is only a
Removal and euthanasia - This should only matter of time before a new colony moves in
Sterilisation - All cats should be sterilised to be applied where cats are very ill or in a to take their place. Many institutions follow
this management policy with great success.
prevent further breeding. If this is acceptable particularly bad condition. If cats are removed
from the property, an expert, preferably a vet,
Lastly, please note that humans cannot
contract feline diseases. Cat to human
transmission of rabies is extremely rare and
should not be a concern. Feral cat colonies do
not generally serve as a source of the disease.

Should you wish to sterilise, we charge
R400.00 per cat. This includes trapping,
sterilising and vaccinations.

We also collect items that you no longer need
or use, for resale to raise funds in support of
feral cats. Items can include books, clothing,
electrical items, kitchenware, furniture, toys
and bric-a-brac. Your support would be
gratefully appreciated and there is no charge
for this service. BV

Giving animals a new leash on life!

Tel: 076 511 5451
www.animalallies.co.za

BLUE VALLEY NEWS • Issue 4 2021 • 11