In a quiet residential corner of Oakglen, Cape Town, lives a woman whose life has been wholly dedicated to the voiceless. Jody-Anne Stewart, founder and chairperson of A.R.T. (Animal Rescue Team), has spent more than a decade rescuing, sterilising, and rehoming animals in need — with a special focus on cats and kittens.
From Passion Project to Trusted Cat Rescue: The Story of A.R.T. in Cape Town
What began as a volunteer passion project over 15 years ago has evolved into one of the most trusted grassroots animal welfare organisations in Cape Town’s Northern Suburbs. After a difficult personal experience with another rescue organisation, Jody followed her calling and established A.R.T. as an independent, registered NPO on 20 January 2012. Since then, her home has become a haven — and often a last hope — for countless rescued animals.
A Mission Rooted in Compassion
A.R.T.’s mission is as practical as it is heartfelt:
• To rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome abused, neglected, unwanted, and injured animals
• To sterilise as many animals as possible, breaking the cycle of suffering
• To educate communities about proper animal care and the life-saving importance of sterilisation
• To provide basic care resources — from food and dewormers to shelter — in underprivileged areas
• To advocate for adoption through the motto: “Don’t breed or buy – Adopt and Adore”
A.R.T. Now Specialising in Cat and Kitten Rescue Only
While the scope has changed over time, the commitment remains absolute. Once a mixed-animal rescue, A.R.T. now focuses almost exclusively on cats and kittens, reflecting both the evolving needs of the community and Jody’s deepening expertise.
Day-to-Day Rescue, One Cat at a Time
A.R.T. operates mainly in the Northern Suburbs, but Jody’s outreach work extends into Blackheath, Maitland, and Rugby — communities she’s supported for years. Her hands-on involvement includes:
• Regular rescue of abandoned litters found in pallets, containers, or on industrial sites
• Intake of kittens and sometimes their mothers from pet owners in need
• Assisting with sterilisation support for owned females before responsible rehoming
• Rehoming or placing cats in sanctuary, as in the case of the N1 cats rescued near Boston Primary
Supporting Sterilisation Efforts: A.R.T. Teams Up with The Feral Cat Project to Help 70–80 Cats Weekly
Every second week, Jody drives a carload of rescued cats and kittens to Noordhoek, where she volunteers for the day at The Feral Cat Project’s surgery clinic. There, with a dedicated team of women from her network, they assist in sterilising 70–80 cats every week — a powerful testament to the collective impact of small, consistent action.
Limited Space: A.R.T. Focuses on Kittens, Not Adult Cat Surrenders
Jody does not take in surrenders of adult cats, as space is limited and rehoming older cats is particularly challenging.
A Home-Based Operation Fueled by a Close-Knit Team
A.R.T. is a home-based rescue, relying on both Jody’s own property and a network of foster moms who take in kittens short-term until they’re old enough for adoption.
Her small but committed team includes:
• Pam, who manages A.R.T.’s Facebook page
• Nicole, a regular volunteer who helps with cleaning, socialising, adoption days, and the Noordhoek trips
• Macky, Jody’s domestic worker, who lives in Blackheath and helps clean litter trays and carriers once or twice a week
• Committee members, who handle admin behind the scenes
• And finally, Andrew, Jody’s husband, is the cattery whisperer who keeps the kitty quarters maintained with love and skill.
Jody, however, remains the core caretaker — tending to the rescues daily and coordinating every aspect of care and logistics with dedication and grace.
A Legacy of Learning, Growth, and Community
What sets A.R.T. apart isn’t just the number of cats it helps — it’s the soul behind the work. Jody’s approach has evolved over the years. Once driven to say yes to every call, she now carefully balances capacity with impact. What hasn’t changed is her deep empathy for animals and her passion for building a better world for them.
While A.R.T.’s physical shelter is small, the organisation’s reach continues to grow, thanks to collaboration with other rescue groups and volunteers who believe in its mission
How You Can Help
A.R.T. is not government-funded and survives entirely on the generosity of animal lovers. If you'd like to support their work, here are a few ways you can make a difference:
Supply Donations for the Rescue Cats:
• Cat food (wet and dry, including kitten food)
• Litter (especially clumping or silica)
• Tick and flea treatments
• Dewormers
• Cleaning supplies (bleach, disinfectant, gloves, garbage bags)
• Cat carriers and blankets
• Toys and scratchers for enrichment
• Dog food (A.R.T. also supports dog rescues)
Donations can be dropped off by arrangement — simply reach out to Jody directly.
Monetary Donations:
Every contribution helps cover vet bills, fuel costs, sterilisation fees, and basic care.
Banking Details:
Account Name: Animal Rescue Team
Bank: Absa (Savings Account)
Account Number: 9271558027
Branch Code: 632005
Contact Details
Jody Stewart
072 212 7380
jodyanimalrescue@gmail.com
Facebook: A.R.T Animal Rescue Team
A Labour of Love: Giving Rescued Cats the Second Chance They Deserve
This is more than just a rescue organisation — it’s a labour of love. Every animal that passes through A.R.T.’s hands is given the chance to heal, grow, and be adored — not because it’s easy, but because it matters.
Join hands and hearts with Petworld in support this of this remarkable animal rescue. Buy and donate cat food, litter, parasite control and more!