January Update at QT Community Cats: New Arrivals and Exciting Mobile Desexing Surgery

A Busy, Hopeful Start to the Year at QT Community Cats 🐾

January has been busy in the very best way here at QT Community Cats. We welcomed 26 new cats into our care this month — each one arriving with their own story, challenges, and a whole lot of heart. Alongside all those new whiskered faces, we also shared some exciting news that’s set to make a real difference for cat welfare across Otago.

Here’s a look at what’s been happening.

New Faces, New Stories

This month’s arrivals included a mix of kittens and adult cats, some of whom needed extra care right from the start.

Doogie is recovering beautifully after eye surgery. He’s healing well and has already started enjoying gentle playtime and cuddles. Seeing his confidence grow has been incredibly encouraging.

Nev is currently back at HQ. After being shot, his tail sadly had to be amputated, serving as a stark reminder of the human conflict these animals face. Despite everything he’s been through, Nev is healing steadily and adapting amazingly well to his new circumstances. His resilience is a real reminder of why this work matters so much.

All of our kittens have now been tested and given the all-clear, which means they’re healthy and ready to move into the therapy room. This space gives them a calm, safe environment filled with play, affection, and positive human contact. Watching them learn to trust, play, and thrive is one of the most heartwarming parts of what we do.

An interesting trend we’ve noticed this year is that for the first time ever, black kittens are outnumbering tabbies coming into our care.

How You Can Help Right Now

With so many new arrivals, support from the community is more important than ever. If you’re able to help, here are a few ways that make a huge difference:

• Donations of cat food and pet milk to keep tummies full

• Donations of litter and puppy training pads for hygiene and comfort

• Volunteering your time to help keep spaces clean and cats well cared for

• Get in touch if you are interested in fostering or adopting one or more of the kittens

  
  

Every contribution — big or small — helps us give these cats and kittens the care, comfort, and safety they deserve.

Big News: Mobile Desexing Surgery Launch 🚐

We’re thrilled to share some incredibly positive news for cat welfare across Otago. Lakes Vets has launched a mobile desexing surgery unit, designed to reach remote and underserved areas where access to veterinary care has been limited.

Desexing is one of the most effective ways to prevent unwanted litters and break the cycle of abandonment, uncontrolled breeding, illness, and injury. It also plays a vital role in protecting native wildlife by reducing stray and feral cat populations.

What makes this initiative especially powerful is the close partnership between QT Community Cats and Lakes Vets. Very few rescues have a veterinary practice working so closely with them, both on site and out in the field. This collaboration is built on action, not just good intentions.

The mobile unit means cats can be treated earlier and closer to where they live, reducing the number of kittens born into unsafe or unstable situations. It’s a practical, community-focused approach that looks to create long-term change for both cats and the people who care about them.

We are incredibly grateful to Tam and the team at Lakes Vets for their support, commitment, and shared vision for better cat welfare in our region. This is how meaningful progress happens.

If you need help in your area or want to find out more, contact Lakes Vets or us here at QT Community Cats.

Want to Be Part of the Change?

The combination of increased intakes and the launch of the mobile desexing unit shows just how important community involvement is. You can support this work by:

• Donating essential supplies

• Volunteering your time

• Spreading the word about desexing and responsible pet ownership

• Supporting fundraising events that help cover medical and operational costs

Together, we can improve lives, reduce overpopulation, and create safer outcomes for cats and wildlife alike.

A Great Start — and So Much More to Come

January has been an incredibly successful and hopeful start to the year. From caring for 26 new cats to launching a mobile desexing service that will benefit communities across Otago, we’re proud of what’s already been achieved. With some very exciting things coming up in February, we’re feeling optimistic, motivated, and grateful for the ongoing support that makes all of this possible. Here’s to continuing the momentum and making 2026 a year of real, lasting impact for cats in our community 🐾💛