Cat Village was founded in 2004 and established on a two and a half acre property on the East Rand to accommodate destitute cats. It was an overwhelming task that confronted us; here we were faced with an empty piece of ground, with a mission to make it a secure haven for cats that no longer had homes.

Our first task was to wall the property and make it cat-proof. Thereafter, six carefully planned and fully equipped quarantine enclosures were built to accommodate new arrivals. These arrivals are thoroughly checked and any medical requirements are attended to such as neutering, testing for FIP, Leukaemia and snuffles.

Once the cats have been evaluated and passed the test they are released into the main sanctuary. This area of the sanctuary has been developed - Wendy houses have been erected, and equipped with blankets and baskets. Natural grass is in abundance and over 100 shrubs and trees have been planted in order to provide a stress free environment.

A borehole providing an unlimited water supply has recently been commissioned and further hides for the ferals will be established once the shrubs and ground cover is established. The environment is learner friendly for those interested in the handling and training of cats, namely by the clicker method. Both these aspects are actively being pursued in the year ahead. We also see an opportunity to use Cat Village as a rehabilitation tool for the older folk from local retirement homes.