Farzana Ismail consulted with an occupational therapist on Tuesday (27/5) for an examination of her hand. They noted the swelling had decreased, but the reduced range of motion and hypersensitivity were primary concerns.

Ismail also consulted an orthopedic surgeon, and was referred to an immediate ultrasound, the results indicated no fluid collection on the injury.

She said she had sustained numerous bites in her efforts to rescue cats, but this one was different. “This instance has been particularly concerning, as the swelling in my hand, combined with general malaise, which is a symptom of discomfort or a sense of being unwell, often without a specific cause.”

She said she had sustained numerous bites in her efforts to rescue cats, but this one was different. Photo supplied

“This has prompted significant apprehension regarding my ability to continue providing care for my dependent cats, especially after sharing my experience on my page and fellow rescue workers disclosed similar, if not worse, symptoms resulting from previous bites.”

This year marks a decade of her dedication to managing community cats at designated locations in Vanderbijlpark, said Ismail. She was bitten by Paris, a semi-tame campus cat who was on the verge of giving birth on Sunday, 11 May.

Ismail’s plan was to take her to the vet for a spay abort procedure, but Paris had been evading the trapping cage for an extended period, so Ismail recognised the need to devise an alternative solution to facilitate Paris’ sterilisation at the vet.

Trap-neuter-return success

Upon sighting the trapping cage, Paris bit into her left hand, piercing the skin, “and while I had the option to release her, my determination led to the injury.”

“Paris attempted to defend herself, and I remained resolute in preventing her from delivering another litter of kittens in the deplorable environment in which she and numerous other underprivileged cats reside.

“I have successfully implemented Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) procedures on hundreds and hundreds of cats over the years, aiming to control the feral cat population and minimise unwanted litters,” said Ismail.

“I represent a struggling organisation, called The Feral Carer NPC, that provides solo community cat support initiatives in various locations across Vanderbijlpark, focusing on the care of community cats,” she said.

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