Community efforts lead to cat population decline, learning center opening

A new interactive learning centre at Paws and Claws Cat Sanctuary has officially opened, with the aim of raising awareness about cat care as the number of stray cats and kittens on the island plummets.

The facility in Matavera will educate adults and children about the importance of having a cat, in addition to keeping rats and mice out of the home.

The facility was officially opened on Monday by outgoing New Zealand High Commissioner to the Cook Islands Tui Dewes. The new facility is funded by the New Zealand High Commission Embassy Fund.

Des called on staff to respect, care for and show humanity to the animals on the island.

“Alongside this anecdotal feedback, we are pleased to learn that there is clear evidence that the number of stray cats is decreasing, thanks to the success of the shelter and the sterilisation program you are running in partnership with Te Are Manu,” she said.

“For these reasons, NZHC is delighted to be working with Paws and Claws on this learning centre to support hands-on learning and interactive programmes that will allow people to learn more about cats and aim to increase understanding, empathy and wellbeing.”

It is believed that the cat population across the island is decreasing dramatically compared to two years ago, thanks to the Paws and Cats Sanctuary and its sterilization program.

However, sanctuary manager Shannon Paul said more needs to be done, especially in terms of education about the importance of cats.

Speaking during the opening of the facility on Monday, Paul stressed that while it was sad to see a decreasing number of kittens coming to the shelter, the evidence of a reduction in the stray cat population was an important milestone for Rarotonga.

“Honestly, without these facilities we wouldn’t be able to teach and it’s such a blessing that the New Zealand High Commissioner can do this for us,” she said.

“We just received three kittens, this is week nine and we’ve only received three kittens into the shelter until now.

“We really appreciate the outpouring of support from the community and contributing to this because without their support we wouldn’t have done this because we don’t do this alone.”

The agency partnered with Te Are Manu Veterinary Clinic to hold the sterilisation day.

Paul added that spaying and neutering cats is the best way to reduce the number of unwanted kittens on the island.

She explained that their sterilization program may have worked, but the dog population needed a little training to learn not to kill cats. Paul added that people can’t be taught that if they don’t know what cats are and why they are kept.

The initial goal of the Paws and Claws Cat Sanctuary is to have 85% of Rarotonga’s cats and kittens sterilised so that the facility is no longer needed.

Friends and supporters of the shelter, including Matarewa ward councillor Vaitoti Tupa, attended Monday’s ceremony.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand High Commission’s next round of development grants is about to launch, with the theme “Ngakau aro’a”, or “community of care”. Dewes encourages everyone to apply.