Happy New Year from QT Community Cats

2025 - A Year Full of Heart

This year has been full in every sense of the word — full of rescue, hard decisions, long days, quiet victories, deep connection, and an extraordinary amount of love.

It has been a year that asked much of us, and one that gave back in ways we could never have anticipated.

Transition of Trusteeship

We began the year with an important transition. Gins and I handed over the reins of trusteeship to Diana and Emily. We extend our deepest thanks to both of you for the dedication, care, and commitment you have already shown to QT Community Cats over the past few years. We are incredibly excited to have you officially stepping into these roles, helping to guide and protect the future of this rescue with the compassion and integrity you consistently demonstrate.

New Trustee, Emily

"I’m genuinely excited and honoured to step into the role of QT Community Cats Trustee. I believe we are all here to serve a purpose, and while that purpose looks different for everyone, we each have a role in making the world a better place. For me, that calling has always included caring for animals. Being part of the QT Cats mission matters deeply to me. Animal rescue has always held a special place in my heart, and witnessing the connection that cats bring to people reminds me why this work is so vital. Every cat we rescue, desex, and rehome not only transforms a life but also contributes to reducing the number of feral cats and, in doing so, helps protect our native wildlife. QT Community Cats is a community hub that brings people together. From our reading programme at the local library, to visits at the aged-care facility, to mental-health day outreach in workplaces, our cats help create healing and joy wherever they go. They are natural healers. I’m proud to support this mission and help guide the rescue as it continues to make a positive impact on the Queenstown Community."

New Trustee, Diana

"QT Community Cats has been my third space for some time. Over the years, I have seen it evolve from a small rescue into a community-focused operation with many volunteers and outreach programmes. When a new trustee was needed, I gladly stepped in. I am happy and proud to be part of this movement that positively influences everyone around them.

A Growing Community of Volunteers

Volunteers at the Halloween Event

Our committee and volunteer community has now grown to over 600 members. That is 600 people choosing to give their time, energy, skills, and hearts so we can better meet the increasing needs of both the cats and the humans who rely on us. This growth means more hands, more care, and a greater ability to respond when help is needed most.

Rescue, Care and Better Health Outcomes

This year, we rescued not only large numbers of kittens but also many adult cats — cats who were injured, unwell, abandoned, or simply out of options. We introduced FeLV and FIV testing as part of our standard intake health checks, allowing us to make informed, compassionate decisions that protect every cat in our care.

Many of the cats who came through our doors required surgery or ongoing medical treatment. We are deeply grateful to Lakes Vets for their generous and dedicated support. Your care has been instrumental in giving these cats the best possible chance at recovery and comfort.

Compassionate Veterinary Care at HQ

We also established an on-site veterinary consult room at HQ. With Tam on site almost daily, cats can now be examined and treated in a familiar, low-stress environment. Her mobile veterinary service has been truly life-changing, particularly for anxious cats or those who do not travel well. Calmer cats mean less stress and better outcomes — this is compassionate care in action.

Creating Spaces that Heal

HQ itself continues to evolve. We have expanded housing for the cats while also creating more welcoming spaces for visitors to sit, connect and spend meaningful time with the kitties. These spaces matter. They heal.

More than a Rescue: A Community

Jewellery making social, with Snots

One of the most beautiful parts of this year has been watching friendships form within our volunteer community. Craft nights. Sunny afternoons in the garden. Endless cups of coffee on the deck. Laughter, late nights out, birthday celebrations, quiet hugs, tissues when life gets heavy, and shared strength through both good and difficult times. QT Community Cats has become more than a rescue. It is a community.

Staying Connected Online

We also launched a beautiful new website, thanks to Em and Amelia. Amelia will be sharing regular blog updates to keep everyone informed about the cats and what’s happening behind the scenes. We encourage you to visit the site, sign up and stay connected with our work.

Supporting Responsible Pet Ownership

On 1 December, new pet laws came into effect, and we welcome this change. If you have a pet, or are considering one, we encourage you to take time to understand your rights and responsibilities. To landlords navigating pet-friendly tenancies, we ask that you approach this shift with an open heart and mind. We are always happy to talk through concerns and offer practical solutions that support both people and animals.

Looking ahead to 2026

As we look toward 2026, our priorities remain clear:

• We want to see more adoptions.

• We urgently need more humane traps and trained trappers so we can safely desex and rehome more cats, including feral cats, as part of Predator Free 2050 goals.

• Please microchip and register your cats on the national database.

• And desex. Desex. Desex. Preventing unwanted litters is the only humane way to control population growth. It protects cats, reduces suffering, and helps keep our wildlife safer. If you need support or information about desexing, please reach out.

How You Can Help

As inflation and cost-of-living pressures increase, we are seeing a significant rise in requests for help from the public. At the same time, our own costs continue to rise, and funding is becoming increasingly tight nationwide. To keep going, we rely on strong local support. If you are in a position to set up an automatic payment — even $5 a week — those small, regular contributions add up and make an enormous difference in covering the real weekly costs of rescue.

If financial support isn’t possible, that is completely okay. There are many other ways to help — through time, skills, ideas, and presence. Pop in for a cuppa, send us an email, or start a conversation. We will always find a way for you to be involved.

Thank You, From the Heart

We would also genuinely love your feedback and ideas for the year ahead. This rescue exists because of community, and your voice truly matters.

Thank you to everyone who has walked alongside us this year. You have made this journey one of love, care, and connection. We look forward to stepping into the next year together.