SOCIETY often regard feral cats as a nuisance, and indeed they can become quite a plague.
A female can have up to three litters a year, adding 18 to 20 kittens to a feral cat population.
What most people don’t realise, is that in controlled numbers, feral cats play a vital role in keeping down rodent populations.
Also, having a sterilised feral cat population is a far more owl-friendly practice than putting out rat poison.
Owls, of course, also control snakes and rodents, but owl numbers are declining at an alarming rate from eating poisoned rats and mice.
Greg Kappers, Graaff-Reinet’s “catman”, has taken it upon himself to be a voice for these felines, who roam the streets at night.
“We are constantly trying to educate residents in town and around the townships, as well as business owners, about the importance of feral cats in society, especially since there will always be a rodent problem in residential areas and around restaurants and hospitals.”
In 2010, Kappers left the big city and cutthroat corporate world behind. He travelled the country and decided to buy an old residence and guesthouse in Graaff-Reinet.
After doing some renovations on the building which dates back to 1840 (a declared national monument), he turned it into Kambro Cottage, today rated as one of the town’s top five accommodation establishments on TripAdvisor.
Becoming involved in a small community, Kappers wanted to take up some social responsibility, and the opportunity soon presented itself.
Seven years ago, Arma Voight of the Camdeboo Sterilisation Initiative (CSI) asked Greg to assist them with trapping feral cats in order to sterilise and release them again.
Today, Kappers has three nifty cages in which feral cats are caught without harming them.
“We are very fortunate,” Kappers said, “to have generous sponsors such as Montego, who contribute toward our cause. Local vets have also come on board, sterilising and treating feral cats at reduced rates.
“Once the cats have recovered fully, they are released back into their familiar environment, with minimal regular feeding.”
Ideally, feral cats should earn their place in society.
“We call them ‘working cats’,” Kappers said. “They are territorial, keep other cats away and make a sizable dent in the rodent population.”
Despite having to use medication to control his cat allergy and suffering occasional bad scratches, Kappers is well-known for his love of cats and also being active on a community network to reunite beloved lost pets with their owners.
“Feral cats are actually real blessings in our community,” he said. “They have a tough life, usually surviving only four to five years. Once sterilised, their numbers stabilise effectively.”
CSI facilitates sterilisation and food drives in local townships and surrounding communities like Nieu-Bethesda. They educate the community about animal care, distribute donated kennels and help to find loving homes for unwanted kittens and puppies. To contribute, contact them on info.csi7@yahoo.com or 072 176 2175.
