At first glance, it looks like any other charity shop in Melville. Clothes line the rails, books fill the shelves and shoppers browse for bargains. A closer look reveals something unexpected. Cats lounge on counters, kittens dart between aisles and the soft sound of purring fills the space.
Run by Gail Willard, the shop is a fundraising initiative dedicated to saving cats’ lives. All items sold are donated by the public and priced affordably to ensure a steady turnover. Every cent raised goes directly towards cat welfare.
The organisation not only cares for its own cats but also assists other rescuers and community members who come across abandoned or injured animals. With animal shelters often full, the shop has become an important support point for kittens rescued from gutters, bins and the streets.
Veterinary care is the organisation’s biggest monthly expense, costing about R25 000. This includes medical treatment, sterilisation and emergency care. Sterilisation remains a key focus, particularly in areas such as Westbury, where volunteers work closely with residents to reduce overpopulation. At any given time, around 120 cats, most of them kittens, are in care.
Despite the high intake, adoptions remain strong. Prospective adopters are carefully screened to ensure the cats are placed in safe and responsible homes. More than just a place to shop, the Melville store has become a community space, bringing together donated goods, compassion and a shared commitment to giving cats a second chance.
