Kitten season delivers an influx of cats to New Town Cat Shelter
Not only has festive season arrived, but kitten season has too delivering an influx of cats to a Hobart cat shelter. The adoption drive comes with a strong reminder for wanna-be pet owners.
Tasmania
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If you have ever wanted to adopt a cat, now is the perfect time says Ten Lives Cat Centre CEO Noel Hunt.
Having welcomed over 150 kittens since the start of breeding season in late October, Mr Hunt said there would be plenty of opportunity to adopt over the coming months.
“There’s an extraordinary number of cats and kittens coming into our care,” including a record 50 yesterday, he said.
“That’s an exceptionally high number, but Tasmania has always had a definite kitten season.
“This time of year they are desexed and have their vaccinations and microchipping done, so there is a great deal of demand for them.”
While he encouraged people to consider adoption, Mr Hunt said it was important to remember “cats are not a Christmas gift”.
“This is a 20 year commitment,” he said.
“There’s a lot of working being done in the community on responsible cat ownership, and it’s important to have a well-thought out approach.
“Make sure you are adopting cats from a reputable organisation so that they’re desexed and microchipped, and consider containing or curfewing your cat.”
Mr Hunt said as breeding season continues, fostering or volunteering were other options for people looking to support the shelter.
“We rehome 100 per cent of all healthy socialised cats, which is a lot of work but we are always successful,” he said.
“There is no time or cost limit, and it’s all about getting the adoptable cats into their forever home.”
Volunteer Michelle Stubbs said she loved interacting with the kittens.
“I don’t have cats at home but the joy of seeing them all and knowing you’re doing something good is lovely,” she said.
“I’d just make sure that if you’re thinking to adopt that you’re 100 per cent committed and willing to spend time to care for it.”
Originally published as Kitten season delivers an influx of cats to New Town Cat Shelter
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