SPCA opens its doors

Viliama Faaui, sister Eden and Deborah Campbell enjoy a cuddle with cats at the Levin SPCA open day on Saturday.

While there were no dogs or puppies to pet, there were plenty of cats and kittens wanting attention at the Levin SPCA open day on Saturday.

Viliama Fa'aui, 3, sister Eden, 11, and Deborah Campbell were among the visitors who couldn't resist cuddling the cats.

Eden said her mum was a volunteer at the SPCA and fostered cats, so she helped out at home feeding them and cleaning out the litter boxes every night.

"We have six foster cats at the moment and already have three of our own. We love them," she said.

Deborah Campbell had to put down one of her cats, 17-year-old Max, recently and was already drawn to another ginger cat in the SPCA's kitten room.

"I've just come to have a look at the moment, but I'd so love to take one now."

The open day was a chance to let the public see behind the scenes, said Manawatu SPCA general manager Danny Auger, and for current pet owners to get a discount on microchipping.

He said the Levin branch had come under Manawatu SPCA, which also serviced Wanganui and Feilding, and allowed for consistency of services across the wider region as well as more support for Horowhenua.

"Things have changed for the better [in Levin] and this day was about people coming to say hello and ask us questions."

While it was encouraging that all the dogs had been adopted out, Auger said there was still the potential for an influx of unwanted kittens.

"We really want to encourage pet owners to de-sex their pets, especially cats. Numbers of unwanted cats and kittens comes in waves. About a month ago we were overwhelmed and now it's manageable but there are still three kitten seasons to come, December, February and April."