Thirty-seven cats and kittens were desexed at the Paws and the Claws Cat Sanctuary in Matavera on Wednesday.

Sanctuary manager Shannon Paul said the numbers were beyond what she expected.

“I am glad the community is now focusing on the cat problem before it gets out of hand like the dog problem. We have the vets on the island, let’s use them while we can.”

Paul acknowledged Don Carlaw of Raro Cars and Raro Mart for his financial support and Te Are Manu vets for volunteering their time and expertise.

The Sanctuary will be working closely with Te Are Manu this year for the Pa Enua programme, she said.

Tuaine Charlie taking his kitten home from the Paws and the Claws Cat Sanctuary in Matavera on Wednesday, January 25, 2023. 23012521 / LOSIRENE LACANIVALU

Te Are Manu medical director Michael Baer said the programme was a success and thanked Paws and Claws for organising it.

Baer said they have received some funding from the New Zealand High Commission and this would assist them with the Pa Enua programmes.

He said they would be travelling to Mangaia next month, Mitiaro in March, Mauke in May and Atiu in June and work with the Ministry of Agriculture in delivering the desexing programme.

Te Are Manu vet at work. Photo: LOSIRENE LACANIVALU

He said they would have around 10 desexing clinics this year with the first one on February 8 in Tupapa.

Baer said last year they de-sexed over 360 dogs through the puna clinics.

“This year, we are already busy with nearly 60 dogs de-sexed … we are running ahead of schedule.”

Meanwhile Paul is concerned with the number of people who have been dropping cats off on the roadside near the Sanctuary.

Te Are Manu vet desexing a kitten on January 25, 2023. Photo: LOSIRENE LACANIVALU / 23012523

“I want people to understand, there will be no judgement if you want to drop your cat off, please come, and bring it to me, and I will take it off your hands. I have never said no. I will take them to the vets, get them checked and bring them to the sanctuary,” she said.

“That’s what we are about, that’s what a sanctuary is – home for all cats,” she added.

There are close to 30 kittens and around 30 cats at the Sanctuary ready for adoption from next month.

Te Are Manu vet at work.