Cat welfare group seeks appeal collectors

An organisation working hard to reduce New Zealand's high number of unwanted cats and kittens is seeking volunteers to help collect donations during their appeal month.

KittyCat Fixers are holding their fourth annual Desexy month in June, where they will collect funds that go towards helping owners desex their felines.

Manawatu-Wanganui regional co-ordinator Kath Bryan said the aim this year was to educate communities on the importance of desexing.

"Not only does it reduce the amount of unwanted litters who can end up in colonies or rescue shelters where they are already in some cases overcrowded and overstretched as it is, but also it reduces the chance of the cats and kittens getting serious health conditions such as tumors and complications due to pregnancy."

KittyCat Fixers was established in 2011 and offers financial assistance to low income earners who are struggling to pay for the desexing operation.

The owner will pay $30 on the day of surgery while KCF picks up the rest of the bill.

After the operation, the owner will reimburse the organisation at an affordable amount.

"The desexing procedure is done at the cat owners' local vet or one of their choice so that they can then continue with their cats ongoing care with a vet they are happy with," Ms Bryan said.

There will be collection sites at The Warehouse in Palmerston North, the Feilding Farmers' Market, Countdown Broadway and the Sanson market.

"We are looking for people who are animal lovers (especially cats), and who are interested also in animal welfare, who have an hour to donate to helping with our collection/stalls.

"We are also offering the opportunity to be part of our "animal friendly family" where you will be able to become an active member of our fundraising and social events in your area."

If you are interested in volunteering, please call 021 0811 0572 or email kath@kittycatfixers.org.nz.