Make a donation and have a positive impact on your life and the lives of our rescued cats. Helps us continue to rescue, care for, and provide a loving home for cats in need. Help us honor those remarkable souls who touched our lives forever. These cats are not for sale or adoption; they are permanent residents with unique needs and stories. Some have passed on and this page serve as a reminder of their greatness and we honor them and the ones still in our care.
Grace’s Story:
Grace is one of three cats we adopted from HAWS, and her story is one of resilience and transformation. When Grace first came to us, she was highly aggressive, a clear sign of the abuse she had endured. Missing toes on one of her feet and wary of trust, she would often attack from behind, a behavior rooted in fear and self-defense.
In our journey to connect with her, we asked her one day what her name was. That night, in a dream, she revealed it: Grace. But not just any Grace—she was Grace, like the timeless and elegant Grace Kelly, embodying a regal strength that had yet to emerge.
Grace has a nurturing soul, and she’s known as the sanctuary’s “babysitter.” She has lovingly cared for countless baby animals over the years, from kittens to goslings and even ducklings, embracing each one as her own.
Despite her incredible heart, Grace has faced significant health challenges, often becoming so ill that she was on the brink of death. During her hardest times, I spent countless nights sleeping on the floor beside her, helping her make it through.
Thanks to dedicated care, a high-protein diet, and close monitoring, Grace has made an incredible recovery. While she remains a little underweight, she’s healthier, stronger, and as compassionate as ever.
Wollie and Spokie:
Grace came to us with two companions, Wollie, a striking black cat, and Spokie, a shy and enigmatic white cat. Spokie, we learned, had been adopted and returned to HAWS several times due to her peculiar nature. When she arrived, she was so timid she wouldn’t leave the safety of her hiding spot under the bed. Patiently, we spent hours lying on the floor, hands outstretched, helping her learn to trust again. One winter’s day, we placed a wooly blanket on the bed, and something magical happened—Spokie fell in love with it, finding comfort and warmth she hadn’t known before.
Spokie had an otherworldly quality about her, as though she existed between worlds. She often seemed disoriented, almost like she had Alzheimer’s, forgetting the layout of the house or the connection between different rooms. Yet, she formed an extraordinary bond with my father, who was in a wheelchair. She would walk under it, always by his side, earning the nickname “his shadow.”
Even when my father went to the hospital for the last time, he swore Spokie was there with him. He’d describe seeing her appear from under the bed, only to vanish when he reached out—a true reflection of her name, which means “Ghost.”
Wollie, by contrast, was a confident and self-assured giant, a calming presence in the sanctuary. As I write this, it is with deep gratitude and in loving memory of two remarkable souls who touched our lives forever.
Skillie’s and Jassie’s story:
Skillie and her brother Jassie joined our sanctuary as kittens after their mother was tragically killed by a snake near Majakaneng. Catching them was no easy feat—we used KFC as bait, but the experience left a lasting impression on Jassie, who refused to eat KFC for the rest of his life.
Skillie became our sanctuary’s mascot and an extraordinary presence. She had an air of wisdom and depth that felt otherworldly, as though she was an evolved being in a cat’s body. To this day, I consider her my spirit guide. Skillie pulled me out of a deep depression, forming an all-consuming bond that was nothing short of life-changing. She was more than a cat; she was a healer and a source of profound comfort.
Jassie, despite his challenges—a broken vertebrae and a bladder that leaked—lived with unmatched vitality. His medical care cost R30,000 a year and required monthly vet visits, but his spirit remained unbroken. He climbed trees, ran, and played joyfully, never letting his condition define him.
Their legacy of love and resilience continues to inspire and comfort us every day.
Graatjie’s Story: A Mother’s Unwavering Love
Graatjie came to us in dire need of help. A local gardener found her in poor condition, looking like a skeleton, and urgently asked for our assistance. When we arrived, we discovered that she had given birth to five tiny kittens—ET, Spikkels, Tigger, Garfield, and Mini Me. Graatjie’s body was emaciated, but her love for her babies was immeasurable. Despite her hunger, she would carry every morsel of food she could find back to her kittens, never eating a bite herself.
Realizing what was happening, I promised her that she didn’t need to worry anymore, and that I would take care of the babies so she could focus on herself. From that moment on, Graatjie began to eat again, nourishing herself as she had so selflessly done for her kittens.
When the kittens were about eight months old, we took them to the vet for spaying and neutering. Tragically, within a day of the procedure, the kittens began falling ill. Within two weeks, four of the five had passed away. We were later informed that the kittens had been housed near an extremely ill cat at the clinic, likely contracting a disease from the exposure. Only ET survived, and her bond with her mother remains incredibly strong. She is so devoted to Graatjie that she cannot spend a second apart from her.
Graatjie’s journey is one of strength, sacrifice, and deep love. Her story reminds us of the power of motherhood and the profound impact of unconditional care.
Squeeck’s Story: A Unique Soul with a Wild Heart
Squeeck is one of the most unique and special cats we’ve had the privilege to care for. A cross between a domestic cat and an African wildcat, her beginnings were far from ordinary. Just a few days old when she was found in the gardens of Chameleon Village, Squeeck was brought to us for bottle-feeding and raised with love and care. For the first few weeks of her life, she traveled between the sanctuary and our shop, a curious little soul exploring her world.
Her name, Squeeck, comes from the strange sound she makes—a high-pitched squeak instead of the typical meow. It’s one of her many quirks that make her so endearing. Squeeck is incredibly affectionate, particularly with her human mother, often curling into her arms for warmth and comfort. She has an undeniable bond with Grace, and the two are inseparable, sharing a special connection that is truly heartwarming.
Squeeck is also a cat with a personality all her own. She has several quirky habits that set her apart from the others, like her dislike of the sun. Whenever the sun would shine on her, she would complain loudly, making it clear that she preferred the cooler, shaded spots. Her vocal nature can be both entertaining and endearing—she is never shy about expressing herself.
Despite her wild roots, Squeeck has adapted wonderfully to life in the sanctuary. She may have a wild side, but she is, at heart, a loving and loyal companion who thrives in the care and warmth of her family. Her journey is a testament to how much love and understanding an animal can offer, no matter where they come from.
Misty’s Story
Misty came to us as a young cat after being abandoned at the Welwitschia Country Market. It didn’t take long to discover that she had been shot with a pellet gun. A visit to the local veterinarian in Hartbeespoort revealed heartbreaking news. The pellet was lodged in such a precarious position that surgery was not an option. To this day, Misty carries the pellet inside her.
Now 18 years old, Misty holds the title of our sanctuary’s oldest resident. Her beauty is undeniable. Though her personality is distinctly aloof. Preferring solitude, she tends to keep to herself. And avoids the company of the other cats. Despite her independent nature, Misty’s resilience and quiet strength make her a truly remarkable member of our sanctuary family.
Soentjies’ Story: A Gentle Healer
Soentjies’ journey to our sanctuary began with his sister, Mammies, who appeared out of nowhere one evening asking for food. The next night, she returned with her two wild brothers. By the following day, she brought her babies, Seuntjie and Ogies, to safety. Tragically, one of the brothers was lost to a jackal that night, but Mammies, Soentjies, and the babies found refuge with us soon after.
The story of Soentjies’ name is as unique as he is. On the day he moved in, we drew a card from a oracle card deck, and it was the Kitsune card. The card foretold the arrival of a red-haired person or animal who would guide us in understanding trust. Inspired by this, Kitsune became Suni, and finally, Soentjies—meaning “kisses” in Afrikaans.
Queen’s Story: A Mother’s Courage and Wisdom
Queen’s journey to our sanctuary began in a farm shed, where she gave birth to four kittens. Determined to help her, we started by feeding her at the shed and working to tame her. With the goal of sterilizing her and caring for her babies. However, one night, after an attempted break-in at the shed, Queen moved her babies to the safety of our property’s cages, a protective instinct that led to their new temporary home.
As winter approached, we knew that the family wouldn’t survive the cold in the cages, and Queen was becoming increasingly tame, but her kittens remained wild and uncatchable. The situation became even more complicated after one of the kittens was tragically killed. Desperate to keep them safe, I decided to approach Queen with the hope of getting her help.
One day, I walked outside with a cat carrier, speaking to Queen at length, explaining that I needed her assistance to get the kittens into the carrier so we could protect them. To my amazement, Queen climbed the tree, called to her kittens, and one by one, they climbed down and entered the carrier. This all took place in less than 15 minutes after I approached her. It was a moment of pure trust and understanding between us.
Queen and her kittens were then brought inside, where she and her family found safety. Today, Queen rules the place like the true queen she is—her wisdom, strength, and leadership shining through in every moment. Her story is a testament to the bond of motherhood and the remarkable resilience of a mother determined to protect her children.
Queens kittens (Twinkle, Tinky and Sweety pie) are all male. Twinkle struggles with bladder stones and needs to be monitored quite closely. Tinky has a tendency to form mouth ulcers at times, so his care is constant. He only eats cooked chicken to help his mouth stay healthy.
Simba and Spikkels’ Story: Unbreakable Bonds and Unyielding Love
Simba and his brother Spikkels were abandoned near a mine in Kya Sands, where they were found and brought to us through the Feral Cat Rescue Centre in Hartbeespoort. From the moment they arrived, it was clear how deeply devoted they were to one another. Their bond was unbreakable, and they were inseparable, always seeking comfort in each other’s presence.
Simba, with his majestic presence, quickly became the “lion” of the house. His charming personality and love for treats make him a favorite among the sanctuary’s residents. In contrast, Spikkels had a quiet, almost ethereal aura about him. Diagnosed with a congenital heart condition at just three months old, Spikkels defied the odds. The vet, amazed by his resilience, often remarked that he should not have survived as long as he did. Despite his condition, Spikkels radiated a passion for life that was truly extraordinary.
We did everything we could to help him, using special diets and the Bemer machine to support his health. Sadly, Spikkels passed away at just around one year old, his heart unable to continue its fight. He left us far too soon, but his presence will forever be remembered for the love and spirit he brought into our lives. Simba continues to live on with a piece of Spikkels’ energy within him, a reminder of the love they shared.
Klits’ Story: A Survivor with a Heart of Strength
Klits came into our lives through the local veterinarian in Brits, who asked for our help in caring for her. She was the sole survivor of a brutal attack by locals who killed her entire family in front of her. The trauma from that event left her with severe PTSD, making her one of the most challenging cats to raise.
Klits formed an unbreakable bond with Jassie, and together, they became inseparable. As difficult as she was to care for, constantly breaking items and testing our patience, we soon realized that Klits had come into our lives for a reason. During a time when my father was battling illness and frequent hospital visits, caring for Klits gave us a sense of purpose and helped us cope with the growing challenges. Her need for attention and affection provided a much-needed distraction, and in many ways, she helped us through one of the most difficult periods of our lives.
Despite the love and care she’s received, Klits has never fully recovered from her traumatic past. At times, she can be unpredictable, but she remains deeply loved by all of us. Klits is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of unconditional love, and we are forever grateful for the bond we share with her.
Dopey’s Story: A Little Fighter with a Big Heart
Dopey’s journey with us began as a sickly, abandoned kitten at Chameleon Village. One of the male cats we cared for at the village brought him to the shop one day, desperate for food. His mother had abandoned him at a very young age, and he was wild and terrified. The first time I caught him at the food bowl, I could see the fear in his eyes, but the next day, he had already begun to trust us. He would come into the shop every few minutes to check if we were still there, a sign that he was slowly beginning to feel safe.
Despite his wild start, Dopey suffered from severe diarrhea and was struggling to thrive at Chameleon Village. It became clear that he wasn’t coping well in that environment, so we decided to bring him into the sanctuary. From the moment he arrived, Dopey bonded immediately with Soentjies, one of our other residents, and it was as though he had always been part of our family. He fit in seamlessly, a testament to his resilient spirit and his ability to trust again.
However, Dopey’s health has always been a challenge. He suffers from chronic mouth issues that make eating difficult, and he can only tolerate cooked chicken or cat food mousse. Dopey is on constant antibiotics and has frequent vet visits to manage his condition. His ongoing health struggles have made him one of the most difficult cases we’ve faced, and despite our best efforts, we haven’t been able to “win” his health battle.
Yet, Dopey was a fighter—a little cat with a big heart. His journey reminds us of the incredible resilience of the animals in our care, and the strength they show, even when life hasn’t been kind. He’s memory serves to help look after the other cats who are currently in residence.
These are but a few of the souls that we look after. Some have passed on and some new ones have arrived. This page is our tribute to them and we hope you have enjoyed reading about these amazing beings.
With 16 beloved cats in our care, we rely on donations to sustain our mission. Your generous contributions help cover essential costs, including:
- Cat Food: We feed 6-8 kg of dry Whiskas cat food each week.
- Litter: We use 20 kg of cat litter every week.
- Medication and Vet Bills: Many of our residents require ongoing medical treatment and special diets
Every donation, big or small, makes a significant impact. By supporting our sanctuary, you’re not just providing food and supplies – you’re giving these remarkable cats a chance at a better life.