We're the 'kindest' to stray cats

Marlburians are more than twice as likely to adopt a stray cat, according to a new survey.

PetDirect found Marlborough has the highest ratio of pet cats which were adopted after the cat turned up unannounced. Twenty eight percent of Marlborough moggies are adopted this way, which is double the nationwide average.

And while the high percentage of adopted strays may stem from a variety of causes, vets say former stray cats deserve the same amount of love and care upon adoption as a new kitten.

“Adopting cats from the 'cat distribution system' is a complex issue, strays often have complex needs after rough start to life”, adds PetDirect veterinarian Feargus McConnell.

“They tend to be timid, are more likely to engage on their terms and make themselves scarce around new people - however, some of the best cats I've met are former strays who often just pick a comfortable place at homes or businesses where our worlds cross over and settle there.

“It also may just show that people in Marlborough are the kindest to cats”.

Springlands Veterinary Centre’s Tash Luxton says cats have incredible survival situational awareness around finding steady sources of food, water and safety, because they’re always watching and tend to hang around close to where it is easiest for them to live.

“Their response to humans varies between cats because of their varied personalities and experiences, so when a cat is adopted through the ‘cat distribution system’ it means they’re happy and comfortable where they are.”

However, the adoption process does need to go through the right system, especially when supposed strays end up already having a microchip.

“We run a small inhouse cat rehoming program to assist with Marlborough's stray cat population, and fully support, encourage and highly recommend cats being desexed and microchipped (with registered details) for more comprehensive cat management in NZ and more specifically, in Marlborough”, adds Tash.

“When people do adopt a stray through the ‘cat distribution system’ and bring them in for health checks, it can be surprising for us how healthy they are and how after treatment, how quickly they can bounce back from issues.

“Firstly, make sure they aren't already just someone's pet because they do tend to roam”, stresses Feargus.

“When people bring in an animal they've adopted and it ends up being from a near neighbour, they must go back to their owners.

“They're definitely available to love, but make sure they go to a vet for microchip checks, health assistance and neutering before getting too attached”.