The Co-operative Cat Animal Shelter and Adoption Centre was launched on the 7th of September 2008, an initiative between a Bloubosrand veterinary practice and existing pro life charities (Sterischeme, Fora, Four Paws, Feral Foundation and Friends of the Cat).  The veterinary practice has been involved with animal charity work for over 15 years. The purpose of the shelter is to provide a shelter and home to cats and kittens in order to find suitable homes for them.  The shelter and adoption centre is situated on Farm 145, Nooitgedact on the R114.

Says Jennifer Simpson, “We are opening a cat shelter with a difference.  We believe in the policy of ‘pro life’ for all animals unless they are terminal.  Our centre will assist to find homes for many unwanted animals. We will also adopt out puppies and dogs on Sundays but they will not live on our property due to the property regulations.”

All cats and kittens will be tested for dread diseases, sterilized, inoculated, dewormed and micro chipped.  The shelter will run with an emphasis on the humane treatment of animals but also incorporates a scientific approach. 

Sick cats will be quarantined and kittens bottle raised until they are old enough to be adopted out. The animals at the shelter will live in comfortable and hygienic conditions – a key consideration for the organisation.

In addition, every time a cat or kitten is adopted, two cats are saved as a space has been made for the next cat in the sanctuary.  The organisation is also planning to run workshops to educate children from disadvantaged backgrounds regarding animal welfare and the paramount importance of animal sterilization.

As per the adage coined by Mahatma Ghandi, ‘We must become the change we want to see’.

The organisation requires donations like:
We urgently need cash donations to contribute towards rent, travel boxes, aviaries, huts, kennels, cages, washable soft toys, cleaning materials, kitten bottles, scratch posts, veterinary drugs and volunteers.