7 November 2025, Issue 1285
Kitten crisis A Tauranga kitten orphanage is overflowing, with 70 kittens in care “and this number is increasing daily,” said Clair Batley. She leads a team of five at The Kitten Orphanage who work with more than 40 foster homes that look after kittens while
they wait for adoption. Batley said kitten season began in September – and the orphanage’s busiest months were in December, January, February when they could have up to 120 kittens in their care. Batley said barriers like finances and
education prevent the public from desexing their felines, which enables overbreeding. “It’s not that they want to have their cats breeding, but they just can’t afford the expense of desexing them.” The orphanage’s focus is on breaking the
cycle of breeding, Batley said. While their kittens are currently too young for adoption, Batley said there will be plenty of litters in coming weeks, and The Kitten Orphanage will hold adoption days at a local Animates or pet stores. Find out more on page 4. Photo / David Hall
Summerset by the Dunes Mustang Market Day Sunday 9 November, 10am - 2pm 35 Manawa Road, Papamoa Beach
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