And no, not the stereotype people often imagine. In reality, “cat ladies” (and cat men) are really just people with big hearts who care deeply about animal welfare. We volunteer our time and resources supporting rescues, fostering kittens, helping lost and stray cats, and assisting with trapping and desexing stray and wild cat populations to prevent more unwanted litters.
At Milldale Stray Rescue, where I volunteer alongside many incredible people, we help get kittens and cats off the streets, desexed, rehabilitated, and into loving homes.
I’ve seen firsthand what life is like for many of these animals. They are living rough, born without warmth, shelter, or reliable access to food. I’ve helped nurse sick kittens back to health, and I’ve also experienced the heartbreak of losing them despite doing everything possible. One small malnourished kitten, covered in mites, fought so hard, but sadly didn’t make it through the night. When you look down and see their eyes staring back at you asking for help, those moments stay with you 🥹
These kittens don’t choose to be born on the streets. They don’t choose to be abandoned. They are the result of circumstances beyond their control.
I’ve helped reunite lost family pets that had been mistaken for strays, kms away from their homes (jumping into cars and traveling with contractors across Auckland) and I’ve assisted with trapping and desexing wild cats to help prevent further overpopulation. That job is not for the faint-hearted and really tough work! Full credit goes to rescues who do this time and time again every single day and every single week.
Responsible rescue work is not about ignoring the problem, it’s about being part of the solution.
That’s why it is impossible not to care about the conversation around cat welfare and conservation in New Zealand.
While I fully support protecting our native wildlife, I also believe these discussions need to be balanced, informed, and based on both science and compassion. Better public education is needed around the differences between owned, stray, and wild cats, and greater focus should be given to long-term, sustainable solutions that address the root causes of overpopulation.
At the end of the day, most of us want the same thing: healthy ecosystems, thriving native wildlife, and no animals suffering on our streets.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned through rescue work, it’s this: if you can’t foster, volunteer. If you can’t volunteer, donate. Every contribution matters, and every single person in the community can make a difference (including you)🤍
Education for members of the public is just as important. Understanding the difference between owned, stray, and feral cats, the importance of desexing, microchipping, and responsible pet ownership, and the challenges faced by rescue organisations can help create better outcomes for both cats and our wider communities. The more informed we are, the more effective and compassionate our solutions can be.
Some wonderful vets/rescues who I know are out there doing amazing work and continuing to help educate who you should follow and support:
4Paws Vetcare Charity
Milldale stray rescue
Awhi Mai Adoption Rescue
Gutter kitties
https://www.thenzcatfoundation.org.nz
Some helpful info from CC below:
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