Purrfect Party

Purrfect Party

By Rita Bratovich

This year, the Cat Protection Society (CPS) celebrates its Diamond Jubilee: 60 years (or around 256 cat years) of rescuing and re-homing stray and abandoned cats from the streets of Sydney. It’s an impressive milestone given the organisation relies heavily on the dedication of volunteers and the generosity of benefactors and donors. The positive impact CPS has had on the vagrant cat population over the last six decades is incalculable. Even more difficult to estimate is the improved quality of life they have given, not only to countless felines but to human beings who have genuinely benefitted from the companionship and unconditional love of this historically revered animal.

It all began in 1958 when a group of around 10 cat lovers decided to capture, desex and find new owners for as many stray cats as possible. Back then they had little in the way of resources other than their own determination and an undying devotion to the humble, domestic felis silvestris catus, but that was enough to spawn a timeline of gradual growth. In 1960, CPS became a charity and continued working tirelessly to find homes for cats, all the while being itself, homeless. Then in 1979, by fortune of bequest, the society was able to purchase a run-down, three floor terrace in the yet to be gentrified suburb of Enmore. More selfless volunteering helped make the property clean and functional and it became the administrative headquarters with a street front op shop. Over the next several years with further renovations, the society was able to shelter cats on premises, provide desexing and vaccination and act as an adoption agency. The op shop was moved to a rented shop space a few doors down to allow room for even more services and cat accommodation.

CPS has a “no kill” policy which means cats will be cared for until they are adopted. That, of course, puts a limit on the number of cats they are able to receive, however according to CEO Kristina Vesk, cats rarely stay longer than a few weeks before being adopted.

“Even older cats get adopted. And it’s nice, even if they only live for another six months, to have some quality of life for that six months,” says Vesk.

Though every cat is suitable for adoption, they are not suitable for every home which is why CPS screens each potential new owner and allows them to come in and spend time with the cats.

“Some cats are very active and need space to run and climb – especially vertical space, cats like to be up high. But some cats have been through trauma and won’t like a lot of noise or activity, so it’s really important for us to know what sort of environment the cats are going to and whether the owners will be away from home…things like that,” explains Vesk. Cats that come in in pairs are kept in the same cage and adopted out together and cats that need rehabilitation, socialisation or other special needs are fostered out for a period of time. Foster caring is a valuable service provided by volunteers as it helps free up accommodation within the centre, reduces the risk of communicable disease and keeps cats “forever family-home ready”. All the cat’s needs are provided for by CPS (food, litter, bedding, information, support) and carers can decide when and for how long they’d like to have a cat.

There’s no doubt the organisation would not exist without the passion and commitment of volunteers. Vice President, Nita Harvey herself began as a volunteer in 1996 and she fully acknowledges the contribution they make. “The people who work here really love what they do and they love the cats. For many of them, it gives them a purpose,” she says. Three such volunteers, Gary, Bridget and Karolina, have been part of the organisation for many years and speak with great enthusiasm, even as they’re washing out litter trays and food bowls. Knowing they’re making a difference, and more importantly, getting play time with the cats, is all the reward they need. In fact, for people who aren’t able to have a cat at home for whatever reason, being a volunteer is a great way to fulfil their need for feline contact.

Being a charity, CPS relies on donations, bequests and fundraising to keep it financially viable. The op shop, which accepts and sells all items (not just cat related) has consistently been a reliable income stream. CPS also sells handicrafts and art items made and/or donated by cat lovers. As part of their Diamond Anniversary celebrations they’re selling Fabulous Felines brooches hand made by a society member.

The headline anniversary event will be Diamond Cattails at The Bank Hotel in Newtown. The evening will include live music from John Kennedy’s 68 Comeback Special and “Meowster Of Ceremonies” Dr Katrina Warren, media personality and celebrity vet. Local craft brewers, Young Henry’s will supply cat-themed cocktails to go with delicious vegetarian treats. Guests are encouraged to wear cat ears and dress in feline inspired fashion.

Another major event is the Diamond Anniversary Luncheon at NSW Parliament House in October. MC Dr Anne Fawcett will guide diners through a tour of the past 60 years of cat protection and veterinary care. She’ll be joined by guest speakers Prof. Julia Beatty and Prof. Vanessa Barrs.

As a meaningful commemorative gesture, CPS is aiming to desex 500 cats before the next kitten season and will be providing desexing and vaccination for $50 for pensioners and health care card holders until they reach the 500 cat target.

In the last 60 years, CPS has brought joy and health, not only to hundreds of cats but also hundreds of humans who have benefitted mentally and emotionally from the limitless affection and utter cuteness these furry warm bundles of love can give.

Diamond Cattails 

Sep 24. Waywards, Lvl 2, Bank Hotel, 324 King St, Newtown. $160+b.f.

Diamond Anniversary Luncheon

Oct 12.Strangers Dining Room, NSW Parliament House, Macquarie St, Sydney. $125_b.f.

Tickets & Info: catprotection.org.au

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