Alley Cat Rescue surpasses 15 000 cat sterilisation milestone to protect African wildcats

Alley Cat Rescue’s African Wildcat Conservation Programme has reached a significant milestone in South Africa after surpassing 15 000 domestic and hybrid cats sterilised since the initiative launched in 2018.

The US-based nonprofit, which works internationally to protect domestic, stray, feral and small wildcat species, announced the achievement this week, saying the sterilisation effort is crucial to safeguarding the African wildcat (Felis lybica) from hybridising with domestic cats (Felis catus).

The African wildcat is considered the ancestor of modern domestic cats and populations in South Africa face growing pressure as they come into contact with unsterilised domestic and feral cats. The organisation’s programme targets colonies living near wildcat habitats, particularly in rural towns and on farmland bordering Kruger National Park and parts of the Cape Province, where genetically pure wildcats are still found.

According to Alley Cat Rescue (ACR), small teams of trained cat trappers and veterinarians have travelled long distances across the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Northern Cape and Limpopo to reach areas where wild and domestic cats co-exist. The group says the large-scale sterilisation drive is essential to reducing hybridisation and managing cat overpopulation, which remains a challenge in many South African communities.

ACR noted that many households do not have the means to spay or neuter their pets and has called on the broader animal-welfare sector in South Africa to assist with sterilisation efforts. The organisation argues that expanding access to spay/neuter services will not only improve the welfare of domestic cats but also support the long-term survival of the African wildcat.

ACR founder and president, Louise Holton, said the programme was established out of a deep commitment to both species. “African wildcats are the ancestors of our beloved domestic cats and an irreplaceable species,” she said. “Only one percent of donations for wild felines goes to small wild cats and of course only a tiny portion of that one percent goes toward saving African wildcats. This beautiful cat deserves and needs more resources dedicated to its survival.”

More information about the sterilisation initiative and African wildcat conservation efforts can be found on ACR’s website.

Alley Cat Rescue, headquartered in Mt. Rainier, Maryland, advocates for humane, non-lethal management of feral cats and works globally to protect domestic, stray, abandoned and wildcat species.