Two homeless cats find a new life

Nine-year-old Diva Giles found brother-and-sister kittens at the SPCA. Picture / Martin Sykes

"I just want one that's playful and likes lots of cuddles," says 9-year-old Diva Giles as she strolls down the rows of caged kittens at the Mangere SPCA centre.

It's a more demanding order than it would appear.

"We've been here a while," says mum Vivien Bridgwater diplomatically.

"It's been hours," groans older sister Xavier Black.

The family are among scores trooping through the centre each day looking to adopt a new pet.

The giggling, cooing, sighing and gasping would rival the busiest maternity ward, and easily outstrip the flashest firework show.

After trying to persuade a shy tabby into a game for 20 minutes, Diva moves on to another cage.

It is her birthday present, so the kitten has to be right.

Olivia Bennett, 5, also looking for a birthday kitten, has gone to the car in tears.

The white ball of fluff she has her heart set on is deaf, so can't go outside. And it needs sunblock applied every day to its sensitive skin.

Her father Tom tries to be the voice of reason.

"It's impractical. You know what will happen - it'll run outside, not hear a car and get run over."

The centre has up to 80 dogs and puppies each day, and as many as 100 cats and kittens looking for a new home. Most find one.

The society does not sell animals, but asks for a contribution to prepare the animal for adoption. For cats it's between $55 and $75, and for dogs between $130 and $175.

As Olivia's family leave to search elsewhere, Diva has finally struck gold - or rather, black.

The brother-and-sister kittens she has found are more than happy to play games and be cuddled.

Mrs Bridgwater resigns herself to going home with two kittens.

"We've had two before, and it's better because they love each other's company," she says.

Chantelle Black, from the SPCA, says Diva's happy ending is repeated 90 per cent of the time.

"At the end of a Saturday afternoon, there's rarely any animals left. But there are always more coming in for a new home."