Kitties galore need new homes

A recent influx of abandoned cats and kittens at west Auckland’s animal shelter is being described as the start of the summer deluge.

The Henderson shelter is currently at capacity with more than 85 moggies. The centre will usually deal with more than 1000 of them during the summer months.

”This is our busiest time of the year for cats, and especially kittens, which often arrive by the bag and box loads. Our animal management team is now in a position where some difficult decisions will have to be made unless homes can be found for them,” says Auckland Council Animal Welfare Accommodation Services Team Leader Vicki Whitaker (in image).

“If people are thinking about getting a cat or kitten and have good homes to offer, we have a number of healthy and loveable animals that are ready for adoption.”

All of the cats put up for adoption at the animal management shelter are de-sexed, vaccinated and microchipped. The cost is $105 for a cat over six months old and $120 for a kitten.

Ms Whitaker says the cat overload happens because people are not desexing their pets, which can go on to have multiple litters of kittens.

Stray and feral cats can be a problem in large forested areas like the Waitakere Ranges, and even in smaller community bush reserves, where they are known to prey on native bird species.

“Desexing is by far the best way to control the population of cats in our region. This simple operation helps us reduce the number of unwanted cats, and lessen negative effects of wild cats on the environment.”

For more information about adopting a cat or dog call Auckland Council on 09 301 0101 or visit www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz