The Rotorua SPCA is turning to the public to help shield its cattery from the summer heat.
It wants to put up some awnings to provide some more shade, but its building can't take the weight of an awning, so staff have put out a call for ideas on their Facebook page.
SPCA manager Geoff Rudsdale said that despite having all the windows open, and getting as much air flowing through as possible, the animals were still getting too hot.
"It's like an oven in there. It's fine in the morning but by the time 3 or 4pm comes around the heat is so high you can feel the hot air flowing out through the window screens [of the enclosures].
"We're keeping it as cool as possible, but it's just very hard."
Debra, an SPCA inspector who did not want her last name published, said the last three rooms were the biggest concern.
"That's where the sick cats are. They're the ones that get affected by the heat the worst."
The building is just over two years old, and had the same problem last summer.
Last year the SPCA pinned up sheets over the tops of the windows.
"It was a bit rugged, we're looking for a more permanent solution this year."
Mr Rudsdale said the side getting the full strength of the sun was also the viewing area, so the idea was to provide cover for visitors as well as the cats.
He said they were currently considering supporting an awning on stainless steel or wooden posts. The SPCA were trying to scrape up materials from what they had lying around, and would appreciate any help the public could provide.
"If people were able to support it in some way; fundraising, or even coming in with labour, that would be great.
"If any local businesses would like to help out we'd be very happy to put up sponsorship signs or work out something like that," Mr Rudsdale said.
The SPCA reminds pet owners to take care of their pets in the summer heat when animals required lots of water and shade.
Owners should be aware that cats and dogs can get sun burnt, especially white-haired animals, so make sure to apply sun block to areas like noses and ear tips.