Forget the desperate pleas from cat carers urging adoptions. A feline retirement home in the Western Cape is flourishing.
A group of animal lovers at the Lucky Lucy Foundation in Malmesbury, frustrated by the reluctance to adopt older cats due to concerns about medical costs, have upgraded part of their facility to provide a peaceful, stress-free haven for senior felines.
Board member Patrys Niemand said their vision was to “create a comfortable retirement home for older cats, particularly those suffering from kidney failure or struggling to integrate into general shelter life”.
Niemand said the journey began in May 2022, when the space for senior cats was cleared, and plans were set in motion to create a cosy building and garden equipped with all the comforts of home.
“We wanted each of these cats to live in comfort, free from the stress of waiting for adoption. They deserve to live their final years in luxury, not in anticipation,” said Niemand.
The project progressed rapidly. Trees and herbs were planted, transforming the space into a lush garden filled with cat-friendly plants, providing a perfect outdoor haven for the felines to enjoy.
“In a heart-warming turn, the senior cats now share their retirement home with Sir Benjamin, a rooster who arrived on July 30 2024. Together, they live in peaceful harmony, embodying the tranquillity of their special space,” said Niemand.
“This senior cat retirement haven is a testament to the love and dedication of our dedicated team of volunteers who believe every cat, no matter its age or health, deserves a comfortable and fulfilling life. What started as a dream is now a reality, and these senior cats will continue to live their days in peace, comfort and safety.”
Niemand said the sanctuary's journey to provide a peaceful retirement for senior cats is evolving.
“Not only has the senior cat haven become a reality, but it’s also now home to a CatsBest Shop, where visitors can purchase high-quality cat litter and unique, cat-branded items, all while supporting the ongoing care of the cats at our sanctuary,” said Niemand.
“The sanctuary’s garden, too, is almost complete. With the final phase of the garden layout under way, the senior cats are about to enjoy an even more beautiful and relaxing environment. The garden, which already features a variety of cat-friendly herbs and trees, will soon be fully realised, offering the cats a truly serene and picturesque space to roam and relax.”
Niemand described the project as a “labour of love”.
“The goal is to shift public perceptions of shelters and rescued animals, showing that these spaces can be places of joy, comfort and peace — not just for the animals, but for the people who visit them.
“For many senior cats who may never find their forever homes, the sanctuary provides a beautiful place to live out their days with dignity and love,” said Niemand.
“We want to change the narrative about shelters — it’s not just about saving lives, it’s about creating spaces where animals can thrive, and where people feel inspired to support the animals who need us most.”
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