Ten Lives Cat Shelter in Hobart is urgently seeking additional help as it faces a significant influx of cats and kittens. The shelter is currently caring for over 220 cats, with 20 new arrivals from the public just yesterday.
CEO Noel Hunt explains that while they already have 180 foster carers, an additional 30 to 40 are needed to help manage the overwhelming numbers. “In Tasmania, we have a very different kitten season, running from November until around late May or early June,” he said. “This really puts pressure on cat management facilities, both here at Ten Lives and at Just Cats in the north.”
He adds, “It’s common for us to find ourselves in this situation, and we’re calling on the public to help us out.”
Families surrender their cats for a variety of reasons, including difficulty finding suitable rental accommodation, the high cost of care, or changes in personal circumstances. “There are many factors involved, and we need to be there to help,” Hunt noted. “There are also still a lot of unplanned litters, and we have to manage that too.”
During the winter months, Ten Lives typically takes in around 100 cats each month, but that number rises to between 200 and 300 during this time of year.
Foster carer Georgina Gallagher shared that moving house can be stressful for a cat or kitten. “They need time to adjust to their new surroundings, new people, and to learn how to trust us,” she said. “But I find food goes a long way in building bridges with them.” She also ensures that there is a quiet, easily cleanable space for the cats or kittens where she can spend time with them until they become comfortable.
Gallagher emphasized that every adoption helps reduce the number of cats on the streets. “It’s really worthwhile,” she said, highlighting the importance of fostering and adopting to support the shelter’s mission.
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