CatsRUs, a foster-based rescue organization in Pretoria, has launched its 2025 online art catalogue to raise funds for cats in need. This initiative follows a successful art exhibition and allows supporters nationwide to purchase donated artworks at reduced prices.
CatsRUs rescues and rehomes approximately 300 kittens annually and works to combat feline overpopulation through its "Spay It Forward" program. The online catalogue provides an accessible way for people across South Africa to contribute to the organization's mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming cats and kittens. Each purchase directly supports the care of animals, including veterinary treatment, sterilization, vaccinations, deworming, and microchipping.
This effort aligns with a broader trend of artists supporting charitable causes and highlights the ongoing need for sterilization programs to address pet homelessness in South Africa, where an estimated 22% of companion animals are homeless. The organization, established in 2004, relies on volunteers and donations to provide temporary homes and essential care for vulnerable animals until they can be placed with permanent families.
The online catalogue aims to democratize participation, making it easy for anyone to contribute by browsing, selecting, and purchasing art via WhatsApp, with proceeds directly funding the rebuilding of lives and facilitating rehoming efforts. The initiative also underscores the critical role of sterilization programs in controlling pet overpopulation, a significant issue in South Africa where an estimated 4 million cats and dogs are homeless. Sterilization is vital for reducing the burden on shelters and decreasing euthanasia rates, as an unspayed female cat and her offspring can produce over 11,000 kittens in their lifetime. The organization's efforts through the art catalogue offer a sustainable and engaging way for the public to support a cause that makes a tangible difference in the lives of countless cats and kittens. The broader context of animal welfare in South Africa includes statistics indicating that approximately 22% of the country's 18.6 million companion animals are homeless, with an estimated 4 million stray pets. Sterilization programs are crucial in mitigating these numbers and improving overall animal welfare.