Gordon’s Bay woman spends about R100 000 a month caring for cats

Gordon’s Bay resident Emma King says looking after 107 cats has shown her that these small animals can heal hearts, bring calm to chaos, and turn a house into a home.

By day, Ms King works as a dental hygienist; by night, she dedicates her time to rescuing abandoned cats. She said her love for animals was nurtured from an early age by her parents, and she was always surrounded by animals, from dogs and cats to horses and donkeys.

In honour of International Cats Day, which is celebrated annually on August 8, Ms King said: “So whether you own a cat, are dreaming of one, or thinking about adopting, do it with love, kindness, and know you’re changing not just their life, but yours too."

She founded the Thomas Jackson Foundation non-profit company in January, which operates an animal welfare sanctuary.

Running the sanctuary is an intense labour of love, with each day starting at 5:30am to begin the process of feeding, cleaning, and ensuring all the cats get cuddles, she said.

Giving away her coats and sweaters, providing cardboard boxes, and catnip are some of the activities she enjoys doing for them.

“Some love being inside things or under covers, and others love to play, so I just choose the cat's gifts according to their likes and personalities,” Ms King said. 

To help cover the costs, she uses the proceeds from her teeth whitening brand to support the sanctuary.

“I have 107 cats in my care - all self-funded, and three staff members. The costs are about R100 000 a month, and donations in July totalled around R200. People always promise to donate after dropping their kids here, but most do not,” she said. 

She added that only two families kept in touch and sponsored the cats they left behind when they emigrated. 

Asked whether she rescues certain cat breeds, she said, “If it’s got fur, then there’s a pretty good chance that I will rescue it. Cats are my everything, but I also have a massive love for dogs, donkeys, horses, and pretty much all animals.” 

She also has dogs, a few donkeys, and a mini horse.