Stray cats on the radar2 min read

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The Community Cat Coalition (CCC) has received a grant from the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board to fund a cat de-sexing project in Onehunga.

CCC is a community network which helps abandoned, feral and abused cats and kittens. They finance and facilitate trap-neuter-return (TNR) and they also feed and manage de-sexed community cats, and provide veterinary treatment when necessary. They are supported by the SPCA, and work to help cat custodians receive free or discounted resources such as cat food, traps and other essential items.

CCC chairwoman, Liz Somers, says, “This project isn’t just about the health and wellbeing of our feline friends. We were certain the Local Board would see the benefits for their community when we came to them about the issues in Onehunga.”

The areas for focus in Onehunga will be Felix Street and Captain Springs Road, where a high number of un-neutered cats are located. An estimated 60 cats – either stray, semi-owned, dumped or abandoned, will be caught over the next few months. They will then be desexed and microchipped, and then given basic veterinary care if necessary. Eventually the cats will be re-homed or released at the point of capture.

CCC secretary, Bridget Thompson, says the best part of her work is finding forever homes for stray cats where they will be loved and cared for.

She says, “I find relief in seeing the community cats’ lives improve once their numbers are controlled. It also benefits the lives of the people who care for them. Not only is it good for the animal’s long-term health and well-being but also the most effective, sustainable and humane way for cat numbers to be managed for biodiversity and amenity enhancement purposes.”

 

To find out more, email secretary@catcoalition.org.nz or visit catcoalition.org.nz

You can make a donation at www.givealittle.co.nz/org/catcoalition

You can also donate directly to CCC’s bank account 12-3054-0005265-00