Community is at the Heart of What We Do
At QT Community Cats, our work extends far beyond rescue and rehoming. We create welcoming, inclusive programmes that support people and feline companions across the Queenstown – building connection, wellbeing, and compassion every day.
Our Community Pillars
Environmental
We humanely reduce feline population numbers through desexing, rehoming, and long-term solutions that support both cats and the wider environment.
Education
We empower people of all ages with knowledge about responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, and the important role feline companions play in our community.
Community
We provide safe, adaptable spaces and programmes that respond to real community needs – supporting wellbeing, inclusion, and connection.
Literacy & Learning
Pages & Purrs
When: Monday afternoons (term time)
Where: Frankton Library
Time: 3.30pm – 4.30pm (two 30-minute sessions)
A gentle literacy programme where children can practise reading aloud to our calm, friendly cats, followed by supervised playtime with kittens. Sessions also introduce responsible pet ownership in a relaxed, supportive environment.
Primary school–aged children (everyone welcome). Bookings are made directly through Frankton Library due to limited spaces.
Whiskers & Wisdom
When: 3rd Monday of every month
Where: Frankton Library
Time: 10.30am
A dementia-friendly morning tea social designed to encourage connection, comfort, and conversation.
Participants enjoy time with our cats in a calm, welcoming space.
Youth & Education Programmes
School Vists & Volunteering
We work with schools to educate students about responsible pet ownership and the work we do, including trapping, care, and rehoming. Programmes may include volunteering opportunities at QT Community Cats or kitten visits to schools.
Holiday Programmes
Our holiday programmes provide young people with opportunities to learn about animal care, mindfulness, creativity, and enrichment while spending meaningful time with our cats.
Teen
Programmes
Designed for youth who may find traditional school structures challenging, this programme focuses on life skills, compassion, confidence, socialisation, and independence.
Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.
Pet
Therapy
We work alongside local high schools to support neurodiverse youth and adults through structured, therapeutic interactions with our feline companions.
Wellbeing & Support
Workplace Wellbeing Visits
We bring our cats into workplaces for one-hour wellbeing sessions, ideally during lunch breaks. These visits encourage connection, reduce stress, and support team morale.
Individual Support Sessions
We offer a calm, familiar space for individuals experiencing anxiety, stress, loss, or grief. These sessions provide comfort, stability, and connection through time spent with our cats.
Animal Refuge Support
For people leaving unsafe or unstable situations and worried about their pets, we can provide temporary care for cats until their guardians are back on their feet.
Drop In Community Centre
Our Drop-In Centre is open to the public and welcomes locals and visitors alike.
Opening Hours: 11am – 4pm
Opening Days: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat
Guests are welcome to drop in, relax, and spend time in our thoughtfully created spaces – a true home away from home.
Community Partnerships & Events
Events & Experiences
From seasonal celebrations like Halloween and Christmas Eve to pop-up events such as Kitty Yoga, we love creating memorable community experiences.
Our space is also available for birthday parties, with groups welcome to bring their own decorations and catering and kindly clear away when finished.
Business & Community Partnerships
We proudly work alongside local businesses and organisations, including community events with partners like Bunnings. You can often find our cats at their events and fundraisers.
If you’re a business or group interested in partnering with QT Community Cats, we’d love to hear from you – we’re here to help however we can.
We welcome volunteers from all walks of life, including those new to the area or visiting from overseas. Volunteering with us is a wonderful way to build friendships, share cultures, and feel part of a supportive, inclusive community.
Our Volunteer Family
Justice & Restorative Programmes
We work alongside the Department of Corrections and Oranga Tamariki to support adults and youth completing community hours.
Our nurturing environment promotes restorative justice, reduces reoffending, and helps individuals reconnect with their value within the community.
Recognition & Impact
Andrea Balona is the heart behind QT Community Cats, leading a community-focused organisation that combines animal welfare with education, wellbeing, and restorative justice. Following her own cancer journey, Andrea turned her personal experience of the healing power of animal companionship into action. Andrea's leadership and the work of the QT Community Cats team has been widely recognised, locally and nationally, celebrating their compassion and community impact.
2023
Inspirational Woman
National Medalist
2024
Inspirational Woman
National Medalist
2024
Spirit of the Whakatipu
2024
Cancer Ambassador for Otago
2025
QT Community Cats Cancer Fundraising
2025
KiwiBank Local Hero of the Year
Why Our Programmes Work
Environmental
We humanely reduce feline population numbers through desexing, rehoming, and long-term solutions that support both cats and the wider environment.
Education
We empower people of all ages with knowledge about responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, and the important role feline companions play in our community.
Community
We provide safe, adaptable spaces and programmes that respond to real community needs – supporting wellbeing, inclusion, and connection.
Get Involved
Whether you’d like to visit, volunteer, partner with us, or explore a programme tailored to your needs, we’d love to welcome you.