Our mission
Friends of Ferals is a Pro-life, Non-Profit Organization, which focuses on the plight of feral cats, living in and around housing complexes, business parks, office complexes and industrial areas in around Centurion.
The over-population of ferals is at a phenomenal all-time high. One unsterilized female cat and her offspring can produce 60 000 offspring over 5 years. Their miserable lives are spent scavenging for food, many dying prematurely in terrible pain from one of both fatal, infectious cat viruses, other illnesses, injury or systematically being poisoned or beaten to death.
This dire situation of the over-population of ferals in South Africa is the product of society through the gross neglect of failing to sterilize their pet cats. The problem effects society and is the responsibility of society as a whole.
What Drives Us
S.A.F.E.R Initiative
Sterilization:
To trap ferals in targeted areas in order that they can be sterilized. Once sterilized and examined by a veterinarian for other health issues, the healthy ferals will be released back into the area they were trapped. Those ferals who are ill or injured will be homed at the shelter, under medical care, until such time as their health is restored.
Awareness:
To create awareness of the plight of ferals through visibility and interaction with the public at markets, shopping malls, animal related events or functions and to network with Corporates and residential Body Corporates and Animal Rescue Organisations.
Feeding:
With the help of community members, feeding programmes will be initiated in those areas where ferals have been sterilized so that they are getting regular sustenance. This will directly benefit residents, as fewer ferals will intrude into homes in search of food and in turn this will reduce the killing of ferals.
Education:
To educate learners from pre-school through to college about the importance of cats in our society and that they serve a valuable function. To dispense the mith that cats are associated with witchcraft and black magic and that they are evil beings. To educate learners to the basic needs of caring for a pet and be responsible for their pet’s well-being. To impart the knowledge that cats are unique individuals, with unique personalities whom make loving pets and good companions. To impress that no matter the circumstances, the killing of a cat is inhumane, unacceptable and frowned upon by society.
Rehabilitation and homing:
Captured pregnant or lactating feral mothers with their babies will be homed at the shelter until the kittens are old enough to be homed and the mother cat, after being sterilized, will if possible be rehabilitated into the Homing Programme or released where she was captured. Orphaned kittens will be fostered out, until ready for the Homing Programme, when they will return to the shelter.
Save a Life
Why Adopt?
You’ll save more than one life by adopting a cat
3.2 million cats can be found in shelters every year and of these, about 860,000 are euthanized annually. Adopting a cat not only helps one of these many animals, looking for a home, but also opens a space for shelters and rescue groups to take in another cat.
The personality of an adopted cat is known
Cats in many shelters interact with their caretakers and volunteers every day, and these people really get to know their personalities. Particularly with adult cats, you can find a companion with the type of temperament you’re looking for. You could find a playful, active cat or a calmer feline who prefers cuddling and a quieter environment.
There’s a wide variety of cats to adopt
You can find any type of cat you want at a shelter, from kittens to seniors, short-haired to long-haired, all sizes and colors. In fact, if you’re looking for a specific breed, such as a Siamese, you can contact cat-specific rescue groups to find your new friend.
A cat can make your other pets happy
If you have another cat, or a cat-friendly dog, bringing another cat home from a shelter can help reduce feelings of loneliness during the day when you’re out. Of course, you will want to ask the shelter to help you “cat test” your dog, and if you have a cat, expect a period of adjustment before the new and current cats feel comfortable together.
Cats are excellent senior companions
Cats, particularly older, calmer cats, can provide loving companionship to older adults. They’re easy to care for, and you can find one at a shelter that matches your lifestyle with some helpful advice from the shelter staff and volunteers.
Join Our Newsletter
We’ll be sending a newsletter out at the end of every month. Catch up with our news about our shelter rescues and what we are planning for the months ahead!