As an open-admission facility that never turns away any cats or kittens, WA’s largest cat shelter, Cat Haven, is urgently appealing to the community for assistance.
With a significant increase in newborn arrivals, the centre is calling on the public to foster cats and kittens to help ease the strain on its Shenton Park shelter.
Cat Haven covers all foster costs and provides carers with support seven days a week.
CEO of Cat Haven, Roz Robinson, said that even though it’s only the beginning of kitten season, the shelter is already struggling to find carers.
“With kitten season here and our resources already stretched, we urgently need foster carers and adopters to ease the pressure and give these cats and kittens the chance they deserve,” she said.
“Our staff and volunteers are stretched to their limits with the influx of cats, and without the support of foster carers and adopters, we will be facing a serious challenge.
While we do our best to care for these cats, a shelter is a stressful environment, and there’s no substitute for the comfort of a home, even temporarily.”
Unsterilised cats and kittens arriving at Cat Haven remain a serious issue, according to Ms Robinson, despite WA’s Cat Act requiring desexing for cats over six months old.
Last year was their busiest since 2019, with over 8,100 cats and kittens received, and this year is already on track to surpass that number.
“Cat Haven sterilises over 6,500 cats and kittens each year, yet around 80 per cent of incoming cats are still unsterilised,” Ms Robinson said.
“Whether it’s due to lack of awareness, affordability, or disregard for the law, the problem continues.”
In an effort to raise funds to support their rescue services, Cat Haven is hosting its biggest fundraiser of the year, Wet Nose Day, this Sunday, November 10, from 10 am to 3 pm.
For just a gold coin entry, you and your family can enjoy a fun-filled day while supporting a fantastic cause.
The event will feature market stalls, kitten cuddles, quality second-hand ladies’ clothing from the Felines and Fashion brand, crafts, toys, plants, raffles, a silent auction, and a sausage sizzle with vegan options.
Amber Ashford from Cat Haven is urging the public to dig deep for this important cause, stressing that 97 per cent of the shelter’s operating costs are funded by donations and that it costs over $30 a day to care for each cat.
“Sadly, we see many injured, homeless, and vulnerable cats left on the streets with nowhere to go,” she said.
“Our Rescue Service, entirely funded by donations, plays a crucial role in bringing these cats to safety.”
For more information on Wet Nose Day or on adopting, fostering, or desexing a cat, please visit cathaven.com.au.
