The Department of Facilities Management offers insight into how it is continuing to monitor the feral cat population on UP’s campuses.

The feral cat population on the University of Pretoria’s (UP) campuses is managed with great care by the Department of Facilities Management. UP has feral cat populations on the Hatfield, Groenkloof, Prinshof and Hillcrest campuses (including the InnovationAfrica@UP campus).

In the past, the cats caused problems when they entered residences to look for food and had their litter in the closets. As a result, the Department of Facilities Management decided it would be best to control and manage the feral populations by making use of the scientifically based Trap Neuter Return principle. It involves a process where the cats are captured, sterilised and returned to their territory. A veterinarian does the sterilisations.

Feral cats are essential for controlling rodents, especially at residences and InnovationAfrica@UP. Another reason to support the feral cat programme is that it benefits students’ emotional well-being. It does not help to remove cats, as they are territorial. If the University euthanised the feral cat population, new cats would move into the area.

In collaboration with various departments and faculties, the Department of Facilities Management appointed a contractor responsible for caring for and managing the feral cat colonies. The cats receive good, balanced food that the University purchases monthly. It is essential to have a healthy cat population that does not carry and spread diseases. The cats are also fed only enough to ensure that they continue to catch rodents.