It began with a box of kittens, abandoned and helpless, discovered on the side of a Cape Town road. For eight-year-old Kate, it was more than a moment of heartbreak—it was a call to action. That day, she began fostering animals, a path that would eventually lead her to found Cape Town Paws at just 14 years old. Now 18, Kate has turned her childhood dream into a force for change. But this story isn't just about her—it's about a team of tireless heroes, a mission to save lives, and a vision for a world where no animal is left behind.
Against All Odds: Cape Town Paws Proving Small Can Be Mighty
Cape Town Paws is run by a tight-knit trio: Kate, co-director Belinda, and Vee, their community champion in Manenberg. Together, they are the operations managers, adoption coordinators, rescuers, and advocates for animals across Cape Town's most vulnerable areas. With no sprawling offices or fleets of vehicles, they work out of their homes, pouring every ounce of energy into saving lives.
Their secret? Resilience and heart. "When you speak to Cape Town Paws, you're speaking to the entire organisation," they say. "We may be tiny, but we aim to have an enormous impact"
Changing Futures: The Power of Sterilisation
At the heart of Cape Town Paws' work is their sterilisation initiative—a crucial strategy for breaking the relentless cycle of animal overpopulation. One unsterilised dog or cat can lead to dozens, even hundreds, of offspring in just a few years. These animals often face abandonment, starvation, abuse, or worse.
The team sees it all too often: a stray dog with a belly full of pups, a kitten barely weaned yet already pregnant. By providing affordable sterilisation to underprivileged communities, Cape Town Paws is preventing this suffering before it begins. Their partnership with TEARS Animal Rescue has been transformative, allowing them to sterilise 3-4 animals every week. But with a small personal car and limited funds, the need far outpaces their resources.
"We dream of the day when there are no unwanted litters, no animals left to fend for themselves," says Kate. "Until then, we'll keep fighting."
The Reality of Rescue: Struggles and Second Chances
Rescue work is not for the faint-hearted. Every day, Cape Town Paws comes across animals in distressing situations: dogs tethered in confined spaces, cats suffering from untreated ailments, and puppies abandoned with no one to care for them. The team doesn't just offer medical attention and shelter; they work tirelessly to restore trust, giving these vulnerable animals the chance to feel safe and loved again.
But for every victory—every wagging tail and soft purr—there is sorrow. Some animals don't survive the cruelty they've endured. Others must leave for new homes, taking a piece of their rescuers' hearts with them. "The hardest part," says Vee, "is knowing you've done all you can, and it still wasn't enough. But the best part? Watching an animal who had given up on life find their forever family."
Education: Changing the Future for Cape Town's Animals
Cape Town Paws knows that rescue alone is not enough. To create lasting change, they focus on education, teaching communities about the importance of sterilisation, proper nutrition, and compassionate care. Kate's early efforts—like her first speech on animal welfare at just 12 years old—have laid the groundwork for future campaigns in township schools.
The team believes that by empowering the next generation with knowledge, they can create a culture of kindness and responsibility that will ripple across Cape Town and beyond.
Turning the Tide: A Bold Vision for Manenberg
In January 2025, Cape Town Paws will launch a free sterilisation drive in Manenberg, a community plagued by poverty and overlooked by many larger welfare organisations. It's a daunting undertaking, but Vee's deep roots in the area have built trust and opened doors.
"Manenberg is full of people who love their pets but simply don't have the resources," says Vee. "This is where we can make the biggest difference."
With enough support, Cape Town Paws hopes to expand these efforts, bringing hope to countless animals and their families.
Step Up for Animals in Need: Here's How
Cape Town Paws runs on the generosity of animal lovers. Here's how you can help:
• Donate Funds: Your contributions fund sterilisation, vaccinations, and lifesaving medical care.
• Supply Essentials: The team urgently needs:
• Pet food (dog and cat)
• Tick/flea treatment and dewormer
• Blankets, towels, and newspapers
• Carriers, kennels, and cages (even broken ones—they can fix them!)
• Disinfectant (F10 concentrate), syringes, and gloves
Larger donations, like a freezer for meat storage, a bakkie for transport, or sponsorship for petrol, can transform the scale of their operations.
Contact Cape Town Paws
Phone: 061 801 4686
Email: capetownpaws@gmail.com
Instagram: @capetownpaws
Banking Details:
Bank: Standard Bank
Account Name: Cape Town Paws NPC
Account Number: 10166371619
Branch: 051001
Reference: [Your Name] + Donation
Driven by Love, Powered by Hope: Cape Town Paws' Mission
Cape Town Paws is more than a rescue organization—it's a lifeline for animals who would otherwise have no chance. It's a testament to what passion, resilience, and community can achieve.
As Kate says, "This work is exhausting, heartbreaking, and overwhelming—but it's also full of joy, hope, and purpose. With every animal we save, we are reminded of why we started. And with the help of our incredible supporters, we'll keep going until every animal is safe, loved, and free."
Join Cape Town Paws in their mission. Together, we can rewrite the future for Cape Town's animals.