The keynote speaker, Dr Fréderique Hurley from the popular RSG radioprogram Dieremaniere, said that she thought the concept a great idea and was very pleased with the turnout, being a first for Mossel Bay.
Sales done at the mini-market on the premises, selling predominantly cat products, were also good and the participating exhibitors were suitably happy with the support.
A total of 34 cats, ranging from exotic breeds to rescued cats, were entered.
Even local 'celebrity feline' Vlooi, who was in the news recently after having received his new wheels to regain his mobility after being paralysed, made his appearance.
A friend of felines
Gean MacLeod, who currently heads up the work done amongst the harbour and feral cat population of Mossel Bay, is very grateful for all the sponsors and helpers that made this event possible.
She especially singled out the community of Mossel Bay for their support of this cause.
Gean made Mossel Bay her home in 2009. Her passion for 'homeless' cats goes way back to when she used to go fishing with her father on the rocks around the harbour.
She always had some tidbits handy for a hungry feline. Thus, when previously on holiday in Mossel Bay, the first stop was the harbour to look for cats.
When her search produced many sick and neglected cats, she contacted the SPCA and a trail led her to Rita Barnard, who started the harbour and feral cat project.
Gean offered her help to Rita and soon they became a dedicated team. When Rita fell ill and passed away, Gean had to take over, driven simply by her deep love and compassion for the cats.
She takes pride in being able to talk to people who don't share her sentiments in caring for the cats, persuading them that the cats play an important in role in pest control, but the sometimes barbaric human cruelty towards these animals really saddens her.
The highlight of her day is however the love and appreciation shown by the cats, but most of all being able to release safely cats that have been sterilized.
Future endeavours
A project like this necessitates constant and creative management, as challenges continue to arise. Enough funds to buy food in bulk at better prices, have more cats sterilized, provide more shelters and to educate the community are pressing needs.
One of the most urgent requirements, though, is a plot of land to use as a sanctuary for the cats since the pending developments in the harbour area will require the cats to be moved until construction is completed.
The next event in aid of the Harbour and Feral Cat Fund is a golf day that will be hosted in September in Boggom's Bay.
.JPG)
Royal Canin acted as a primary sponsor of the cat show. Here, Frans Calitz hands out one of the many prizes to a proud cat owner.
.jpg)
Visitors at the show.
