CUTE, CUDDLY KITTENS NEED A GOOD HOME
TEN Lives Cat Centre has been swamped with kittens in recent months, with workers having their hands full to relocate the animals.
The kitten season began slowly over November and December, but has ramped up since the start of the year with some 1600 cats, including 1100 kittens, coming through the centre.
Ten Lives’ Emma Dawson said some days were more hectic than others and had completed five adoptions on Wednesday.
“They all end up getting a home, no matter what,” she said.
“I ask people pretty basic questions to start, if they have other pets at home, what their pets’ personalities are like and what the person’s personality is like, what they’re after and their lifestyles.
“A really busy household with kids will want an outgoing cat or kitten, an elderly lady will want a lap cat that wants to be spoiled.”
Ten Lives manager Noel Hunt said although the charity stopped accepting cats or kittens on weekends, it was expanding in other ways.
He said the centre was given a $200,000 government grant in November for an upgrade, with local builders Matrix engaged.
“They can construct the new buildings off site so the cats don’t get stressed out by on-site building,” he said.
For the remainder of kitten season, Mr Hunt reminded locals to microchip, desex and vaccinate cats.
“We encourage people to contain their cats, or at least curfew them at night. Your cat will be happier with a longer life, your wallet will be happy and I’m sure the environment and community will be happy as well.”