Mr Boqwana let the cat out of the (Woolies) bag…
Cape Town, South Africa (16 July 2026) – A Woolies bag can be a lot of things. A holder of snacks. Fashion worthy of the runway. Some are even great for growing peas and potatoes. What we didn’t know? They double up as cat carriers, too!
We love seeing the creative solutions pet owners sometimes come up when they need to transport their beloved four-leggeds from A to B, and there’s no carrier available, South Africans will always make a plan. We’ll fashion one out of cardboard or an old toolbox. We’ll use a pram, a wheelbarrow, a crate…even a bicycle!
This week, the Animal Welfare Society of SA (AWS) shared another clever way in which a responsible pet owner chose to transport his ginger cat to the organisation’s animal hospital for sterilisation. In a Woolies bag!
“When Mr Boqwana needed to bring his beloved cat to our hospital for sterilisation, he didn’t own a cat carrier or transport box.” shared AWS. “Instead of giving up, he made a plan using a Woolworths bag he had at home to safely bring his adorable cat to us.”
Add that to the growing list of things to do with the shopper bags you’ve got accumulating at home!
What’s worth celebrating is that Mr Boqwana knew the importance of sterilising his cat, and he went through the necessary lengths to make it happen.
“Because of that simple act of determination and a sturdy bag…another cat was able to be sterilised, helping to prevent unwanted litters and improving animal welfare in our communities. It reminds us that making a difference doesn’t always require something extraordinary.” AWS added. “Sometimes, it’s the small, everyday things that help create lasting change.”
Commenters were impressed with Mr Boqwana’s ingenuity, and some kindly offered to donate their pre-loved cat carriers for future use.
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Cape Town Kayakers Rescue Starving African Penguin Far Out to Sea“This is totally awesome but also a big shout-out to this man who obviously loves his cat dearly and wants the best for his best friend It takes grit and determination to do as he did I applaud him for his devotion.” wrote Karen Breytenbach.
“He is not letting the cat out the bag!” joked Helene Kerchhoff.
“Thank you for being a great cat dad.” wrote Sudika Ragoonandan.
“Woolies should send Mr Baqwana a nice donation of goodies for his cat.” said Patricia Kirkwood.
“If he needs a cat carrier – I have one for him for future use – although hoping this gorgeous ginga doesn’t ever need to go to the vet again.” wrote Sharon Fitzroy.
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