Foster homes are the 'backbone' of cat rescue in NZ

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2025-03-21 03:00

New Zealand

Photo by Tolga Ahmetler on Unsplash

Most cat rescue organisations in Aotearoa are usually or always full to capacity. Fifty cat rescues across the motu responded to a survey in May 2022, which found that having fosterers available was the number one factor when deciding whether they could rescue more kitties. Nearly three quarters of the rescued cats were strays, while many others were surrendered by cat owners who reported: unplanned litters, having no cat-friendly home, or not being able to afford to care for their kitty.

Expert Reaction

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Christine Roseveare, Lecturer, Public Health, Massey University

The cycle of stray and surrendered cats continues, but our study reveals it's foster homes that have quietly become the backbone of New Zealand's animal rescue response.

We knew fosterers were important, but finding that 80% of animal rescues rely on them and they care for 59% of all rescue cats shows they're absolutely essential.

Last updated: 13 Mar 2025 2:42pm

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Declared conflicts of interest Author of this research.

Journal/
conference: New Zealand Veterinary Journal

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: Massey University

Funder: Thanks also to the New Zealand Companion Animals Trust for financial support.

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