Residents urged to adopt, not shop as cat numbers soar at pound

Hawkesbury City Council receives cats from the four local government areas of Penrith, Hornsby, Hills and Hawkesbury, and Mayor Mary Lyons-Buckett said a prolonged breeding season has seen many cats arriving at the shelter.

Cr Lyons-Buckett is encouraging people who have been thinking about getting a cat to choose one from the local shelter rather than a pet shop, and this week discounts are being offered to people who adopt.

“There seems to have been a prolonged breeding season for cats this year,” Cr Lyons-Buckett said. “As a result, the shelter has had an influx of cats over the past few days and life would be so much better for them at a welcoming and loving home.

“Rescue Agency name is also offering a discount to anyone who purchases a cat from the Shelter this week, which is a wonderful and compassionate move to help these cats.

“We are hoping to connect more cats with loving, caring, and responsible families. There are plenty of personalities and colours to choose from.”

Shelter staff are happy to talk with residents and answer any questions they may have about caring for cats or what individual cats’ personalities are like to find one that suits.

“Cats don’t need to be walked and they are perfectly happy living inside in an apartment, small home or big, and many are just as happy either living as an only pet or with other pets, including humans,” Cr Lyons-Buckett said

“I even know of some cats that convince themselves they are more like dogs and just want to sit and play fetch with their family.

All cats are desexed and microchipped, and locals can can go online to see the cats available or visit the shelter for a meet and greet. 

For shelter opening hours and more information, call 4560 4644 or visit www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au and click on the animal shelter link to see the photo gallery.

The Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter is located at 10 Mulgrave Road, Mulgrave and is open every day of the week.