STRAY AND FERAL CATS - the story of human neglect

No matter where you live in the world, be it in a city or a rural area, you will find stray and feral cats.

These cats are often seen as a nuisance and a threat to domestic cats living in the area.

In some places they are looked upon as an asset, controlling unwanted vermin and can even be a tourist attraction, think of the cats in Greece!

But where do they come from and how do we deal successfully and humanely with this man made problem?

What is the difference between a stray and feral cat?

STRAYS

  • these cats are socialized, enjoy human contact but have lost their home or were abandoned
  • as their contact with humans dwindles over time they will become less dependant on and wary of people
  • they can be successfully rescued and re-homed


FERAL CATS

  • these cats are usually the offspring of strays 
  • they have never had human contact as kittens and are therefore fearful of people
  • they have only ever survived outdoors
  • FERAL KITTENS CAN be socialized if rescued at an early age
  • Feral cats are blamed for needless hunting but actually are not able to survive on hunting alone

HOW DO WE CONTROL THE PROBLEM?
Once again there are differing opinions as to how to deal with communities of cats living on the streets. There are those who advocate euthanasia as the only solution in controlling the problem but research has shown that fortunately this is not the answer. As soon as a population on cats is
removed another group will move into the territory. We, and many organisations around the world prefer to promote the TNR (trap, neuter, release) method of control.

HOW DOES IT WORK?
Here in Cape Town we work with the Cat Trapping and Sterilization Network. The CTSN trap feral and stray cats, have them sterilized by various veterinarians and then either release them back onto the street or where possible re-home them. The CTSN also feed and monitor feral cat colonies and
will trap any animal that appears sick or debilitated. This is an important part of controlling a feral colony.

REMEMBER! 
JUST FEEDING A STRAY CAT COLONY DOES NOT HELP BUT MAY WORSEN THE PROBLEM.

WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP?

  • If you have a stray cat or a number of stray cats in your neighbourhood that are causing a problem contact the CTSN. It may take time but they should be able to trap and sterilize the cats and release them or rehome them.
  • Sterilize your cats - be a responsible owner
  • If you are feeding a 'stray' cat already, check that it is sterilized or have it sterilized - be a responsible caregiver. If you need help contact the CTSN.
  • DONATE! Time, money, food to the CTSN they do truly amazing work


IN SUMMEOWRY!
  • Stray and feral cats exist because we have let our feline friends down!
  • Feral cats can be successfully reintroduced into the environment they came from
  • In some cases feral cats can be relocated to areas that need pest control
  • Most feral cats will always be wild and will never be happy in a home
  • Sterilized feral cats can lead a long healthy life and will not be a threat to domestic cats
  • For more information look contact june bradbury at www.cattrapping.co.za.



Kenilworth Vet, Harfield Village

Principal's Pen - Should I renovate before I sell?


Firstly, we need to define the word “renovate” and then we need to talk money. There is a difference between minor improvement and deliberate structural or extension work in order to maximise ones return on a property investment. For those who know what they are doing, development and “fixer uppers” can be a profitable game, but not always for the faint hearted.

Cosmetic changes on the other hand can go a long way in terms of making that best first impression for a future buyer. In most cases this is well worth the effort, but one does need to be cautious about the spend too. A quick lick of paint, replacement of that rotten fascia board, a sparkling pool or garden clean up are certainly recommended. On the flip side though, in cases where a house is old or neglected it’s easy to get carried away and overspend on what starts off as a “touch up” and ends off as a serious home improvement job. Much like opening that packet of salt and vinegar chips and thinking you will only eat a handful of them.

Remember a home is a personal thing. So before you go throwing money at it perhaps it’s worth bearing in mind that unusually coloured walls and garden gnomes might be your flavour, but not necessarily everyone else’s cup of tea. It’s generally advisable to “de-personalize” as much as possible. And yes de-clutter too!

Whether it is your intention to go the full Monty or just titivate, we highly recommend you call in a professional estate agent to assist you in your decision making process. We are in and out of properties every other day and know what the buyers out there are saying or looking for. If you are looking to make long term decisions or planning to sell in the near future, either way we will gladly pop in for a visit. It’s free advice with no further obligations at all.

BREAKING NEWS: Prime interest rates go up to 9.25%. Homeowners, already hard-pressed to manage the rising costs of living, can take only small comfort in the mild interest rate hike of 0.25%, which will take the repo rate up to 5.75% and the prime lending rate to 9.25%.

www.norgarb.co.za | 021-674110 | Claremont to Tokai



This is a question we are frequently called in to advise on and for good reason too!

Nearly every property is unique as are the personal and financial circumstances of the owner. There are, however, some rules of thumb that could be considered.