Written by Daleen Kotze-Chibesa (Vice-Chair Harties Feral Cat Rescue)
Professional photography by Clarissa Venter
Ruby’s story began on one of the mine shafts outside Rustenburg, where she lived as part of the team – an unspoken but loyal “employee”. Every day she’d follow her human, Dick Pretorius, to the office and back to his car in the afternoons. When Dick was transferred, her care was gently passed on to another kind soul, Mike, who continued to look out for her with food, rubs, and a warm box to sleep in beneath the office.
For years, Ruby held her quiet post – greeting familiar faces, accepting gentle treats, and weaving herself into the daily rhythm of mine shaft life. She was known and loved by many, but we knew she deserved more. At around five or six years old, Ruby had given so much companionship and comfort, yet never had a home of her own.
So, we introduced her to the world as our “Shaft Sweetheart”, hoping someone would see her for the gem she truly was.
And someone did.
A New Beginning in Bloemfontein
In October 2024, Ronel van der Walt, a woman from Bloemfontein, was road-tripping to Cape Town when she felt the pull to adopt a cat.
“I didn’t want a kitten,” she said. “I wanted an older cat – one that had been overlooked, that needed love and a home.”
While scrolling through Facebook, she came across Ruby’s photo.
“She was just sitting there, and I can’t explain it… but I just knew. I had to try and get her.”
Thinking “Harties” meant Hartenbos, she was surprised to learn Ruby was actually in Hartbeespoort – on the opposite side of the country! But fate had already decided. A family friend named Neil happened to be attending a concert in Pretoria, and just like that, Ruby caught a ride to her new life.
Her new mom prepared a special room just for her.
“As we speak, we still call it Ruby’s Room! Her litter box, her food bowls – everything is still set up there.”
But Ruby’s adjustment wasn’t instant.
“She was tense, afraid… like a little scrubbing brush. Thin and unsure. I didn’t know much about feral cats, but I just sat in the room, letting her come to me.”
For two full weeks, Ruby stayed in her safe space.
“It felt like I was putting her in jail. But Melody reassured me that it was the right thing to do – and it was.”
And so began the slow bloom of trust.
Finding Her Place
Ruby’s new mom quickly learned that this girl had taste.
“She came from the mine where she ate the cheapest brand of food. I tried the same stuff at first. No thank you, said Ruby. So I went out and bought the best I could find. Royal Canin, wet food, raw chicken, steak strips… now she eats like a queen.”
Though she wasn’t playful, Ruby found her own routine.
“She’s not interested in toys, and catnip does nothing for her. But she loves her routines. In the evening, she gets a little active. And at night? She sleeps on the bed with us.”
This was especially surprising because her new dad initially said, “Ruby’s not allowed on the bed.” Well, fast forward a few weeks and Ruby’s favourite sleeping spot is on him!
“At night, it’s me, Kobus, and Ruby. The three of us – the three summits.”
She’s still reserved with strangers and tends to hide when the house gets too busy.
“When guests or the housekeeper arrive, she disappears. But over time, she started coming out more. And now, she’ll choose who to greet and who to avoid. She decides.”
She also surprised everyone with how well she got along with Saartjie, the energetic family Schnauzer. “They chase each other, play hide and seek – it’s adorable.”
A Home of Her Own
Ruby remains an indoor-only cat, and for good reason.
“She’s hard of hearing. We noticed she doesn’t respond to noise the way other cats do. If she were to jump the fence and a dog came near her, she wouldn’t hear it coming. So we keep her safe inside.”
And even around her grandchildren, Ruby amazed them all.
“I was nervous at first – they’re little, loud, busy. But Ruby likes them. They like each other. She’s gentle and calm and just walks around like she owns the place.”
Though she’s still cautious, Ruby has found her place.
“She doesn’t scratch furniture, she doesn’t climb curtains, she doesn’t sit on laps, but she rubs against us, lies nearby, and comes when she’s ready. She’s calm, she’s confident, and she’s ours.”
From a shaft in a mine to a soft bed in Bloemfontein, Ruby’s journey is a shining example of what love, patience, and a second chance can do.
“She’s part of our family now. We love her to pieces. And so do our friends.”
Thank you to Ruby’s incredible forever family for opening your hearts to a cat who waited years for a home of her own. You gave her the life she always deserved.
