A Tasmanian cat shelter is urgently calling for help as it faces a surge in the number of cats and kittens needing homes, back to levels not seen since before COVID.
The Ten Lives Cat Centre currently has more than 40 cats and kittens ready for adoption, with over 230 in its care overall.
CEO Noel Hunt said the centre has been overwhelmed since kitten season began just before Christmas.
“We’ve been taking in 10 to 20-plus cats per day,” Hunt said.
“We want these kittens and cats to go to their forever homes.”
“We’re looking for adopters who understand the responsibilities of welcoming a cat or kitten into their home.”
The shelter has taken in a record 800 cats since December, with social issues contributing to the overwhelming numbers.
“We’re also finding that there’s a lot more difficulty in the community, problems with rental accommodation, people that haven’t got around to desexing their cats [and] cost of living pressures,” Hunt said.
The centre has asked the state government for a $100,000 contribution to help it keep up with demand.
“This contribution would cover just five percent of our total operating costs but would relieve pressure, allowing us to continue meeting community demand,” Hunt added.
He warned that without more support, the shelter may not be able to maintain its current level of service.
“The vital work we’re doing for animal welfare, the community and environment needs some support or we just simply won’t be able to keep up with the work.”
The latest funding request follows a $200,000 grant from the state government in 2021, which was used to expand the centre’s facilities.
