We care for 450+ cats daily and rely entirely on donations. Help us today

Registered Non-Profit NPC 2020/065177/08

Every Feral Cat
Deserves a Fighting Chance

We trap, neuter, and release feral cats to humanely control populations while feeding and caring for 450+ cats daily in the Highveld Ridge area.

Donate Now Ways To Help
Scroll to learn more
0
Cats Spayed/Neutered
Since 2019
450+
Cats Fed Daily
Every single day
6+
Years Operating
Founded 2018
Who We Are

Saving Feral Lives Since 2018

Feral Watch & TNR is a registered non-profit company (NPC 2020/065177/08) with PBO number 930070126, founded in 2018 after being a branch of Feral Care Friends since 2016.

We run operations mainly in and around the Highveld Ridge area which has a large population of feral cats. Our main focus is to establish cared for, controlled & healthy feral cat colonies.

We are a pro-life & pro-sterilization organization. This means we do not euthanize healthy animals. Our methods are approved by the NSPCA.

Like most animal welfare organisations, we rely entirely on public support & donations to continue our work. We can issue a Section 18(A) tax receipt for your donations.

NSPCA Approved
Tax Deductible (18A)
Pro-Life & Pro-Sterilization
Feral cat being cared for

Important To Know

We work with feral cats only, not domestic cats. We are not a shelter for unwanted domestic cats.

Cats/kittens are not removed unless their lives are in imminent danger.

Please contact your local SPCA for animal emergencies or to report cruelty.

We do adoptions, but a feral cat's transition to domestic life is a slow process.

Our Core Mission

Trap - Neuter - Release

TNR is a humane and effective approach to feral cat overpopulation, grounded in science. It provides many benefits for the cats as well as the community.

01

Trap

Humane live-trapping the day before the procedure, lured by tasty food into a special cage. Safe and stress-free for the cat.

02

Neuter

Spayed or neutered by our trusted veterinarian, vaccinated against rabies & ear-tipped for identification.

03

Release

Released back into their territory as soon as they're awake after the procedure and no other concerns are present.

Tipped Ear

The Tipped Ear: Badge of Honour

During the spay/neuter process, the ear is tipped humanely so we can recognize cats that have been through TNR. A tipped ear is a worldwide accepted way to signify that a cat has been spayed/neutered and is looked after.

Why TNR Works

Stabilizes feral cat colonies
Ends reproduction, no new kittens
No vacuum effect
Mating behaviours cease
Cat's physical health improves
Risk of illness and cancers decrease
Cats become quieter, better neighbours
Compassionate & socially-responsible

The Vacuum Effect

Other methods like catch-and-kill, relocation and sanctuaries don't work. They create the "vacuum effect" — removed cats will be replaced by other colonies or the existing cats will breed to capacity. TNR is the only proven humane solution.

Understanding Feral Cats

About Feral Cats

Feral cats are not stray cats. They are born in the wild and are independent beauties who live in colonies.

Colony Life

They live in colonies of varying size, forming around food sources. A matriarchal rule holds, and they are territorial — they seldom welcome newcomers.

They Multiply Fast

A female cat can fall pregnant at just 4 months old with 4-6 kittens. In 7 years, one pair of unfixed cats and their offspring can produce over 300,000 kittens.

Killing Doesn't Work

Killing feral cats does not lower their numbers. New feral cats will soon take their place due to the vacuum effect. TNR is the only solution.

Wild at Heart

Feral cats are scared of human interaction and will not survive in a caged environment for long. They fight for survival every day and need our help in their own territory.

No Dumping

You can't dump a domestic cat with a feral colony. They won't be welcomed and will have to fight for survival. This is cruel and irresponsible.

Safe for Humans

Studies show that feral cats pose no public health risk. Through TNR, vaccinated and neutered cats become healthier, happier, and quieter neighbours.

Working Together

Our Partners & Supporters

We're proud to work alongside leading organisations who share our commitment to animal welfare and community responsibility.

Sasol Secunda

Partnering on TNR programs and colony management at Sasol Secunda, helping control feral cat populations humanely on site.

Pan Africa Mines

Supporting TNR efforts and ongoing care for feral cat colonies at the local mine.

Evander Colonies

Managing and caring for established feral cat colonies in the Evander area through feeding and TNR programs.

Secunda Mall

Collaborating on feral cat welfare at the Secunda Mall precinct, ensuring safe and humane colony management.

Powered by Technology for Good

Feral Watch & TNR is a proud recipient of nonprofit technology benefits from Microsoft and Google. Through their programs, we receive software, cloud tools, and advertising grants that help us reduce operational costs and extend our reach — so more of your donations go directly to the cats.

Make a Difference

Ways To Help

Every contribution, no matter how small, helps save feral cat lives. Here's how you can get involved.

Most Popular

Adopt-a-Feral

Any amount ยท monthly or once-off

With our virtual adoption program, you don't need to take the cat home. Your contribution pays for a cat to be spayed/neutered, healthy & fed. You can choose to be part of more of the cat's journey.

Adopt a Feral

Sponsor a Neuter

Donate any amount

For any amount, you can change the life of one cat and save the lives of many to come. This helps curb breeding and improves the lives of all colony members.

Sponsor Now

Food Donations

Any amount

We care for almost 450 cats daily and spend thousands of rands every month on food. Add a pack of cat food to your shopping list and help us save on this expense.

Get In Touch

TNR With Our Team

Custom Quote

Feeding feral cats without a plan? Have feline employees at work? We'll evaluate the situation and provide a quote to get your cats spayed/neutered with a care plan.

Request Quote

Payroll Giving

Via FOR GOOD

We're registered on the FOR GOOD network. Companies like Banks, Vodacom, Tiger Brands, Tsogo Sun, Liberty & more. SASOL matches donations between R100-R200/month.

Download Pledge Form

Volunteer & More

Your Time

Foster cats, volunteer at events, share our posts on social media, sponsor prizes for fundraisers, or make direct payments to our vet accounts. Every bit helps!

Get Involved
Education & Awareness

Protecting Animals Together

Do NOT Cat-Nap Kittens

Unless a kitten is hurt or in obvious danger — DO NOT REMOVE THEM. Their mom offers them the greatest chance for survival.

  • Mom is likely getting food or relocating them
  • Keep your distance — mom won't return until you do
  • It can take several hours for mom to return
  • Kittens should stay with mom up to 13 weeks
  • Contact us for advice before removing any cats

"Free To Good Home" — PLEASE DON'T

We do not support "free to good home" advertisements. Your intentions might be well-meaning, but here are some harsh realities:

  • 40%+ of animals surrendered to shelters came from "free" ads
  • Animals end up at puppy mills or with animal dealers
  • "Flippers" resell these animals for profit
  • Some are used as bait dogs/cats in animal fights
  • No animal is actually "free" — vet bills can exceed R2,000

The alternative: Contact your local animal welfare organisation and do adoptions through them. #adoptdontshop

Be Alert: Feral Cats & Roads

We lose many cats to traffic. Feral cats are not used to cars like domestic cats might be.

  • Intact males roam up to 10km searching for females in heat
  • Fighting males are too focused to notice traffic
  • Females run from aggressive males into traffic
  • Please drive carefully and be aware of your surroundings
  • Spaying & neutering helps reduce this problem

Preventing Animal Cruelty

Animals do not have a voice, so we need to be theirs. We follow the 5 freedoms of animal welfare.

  • Report suspected cruelty to your local SPCA immediately
  • Call — don't message or email, as it wastes precious time
  • Take photos/video if safe, get an exact address
  • Abusing and abandoning animals are crimes under SA law
Find Your Local SPCA
Get In Touch

Contact Us

General Enquiries

Nicolette van Zyl

(+27) 82 781 9435

Director

Madelize van Zyl

(+27) 71 519 6095

*Please note: We cannot always answer calls. Please send a message via WhatsApp or email. Thank you.

Want To Report Cruelty?

Please contact your local SPCA for animal emergencies or to report cruelty. Call until they answer!

Find Your SPCA

Found Feral Kittens?

Do NOT remove them unless they are hurt or in obvious danger. Contact us for advice first.

WhatsApp Us
Donate