Surrendering Your Cat to Cat Haven
We are currently sitting at a 6 week wait for surrenders!
There are times when for a number of reasons you can no longer care for your cat. You have a number of options available to you. We would like to point out that Cat Haven is the very last resort. Cats do not cope well in a busy, crowded shelter and can go down hill rapidly. We ask that you explore all of the following options before approaching us.
Before surrendering a cat to Cat Haven please try the below
- Friends and family: including circulating an email flyer, if possible, asking friends and family to take the cat themselves or to forward the flyer on to their contacts.
- Vet clinics: some vet clinics have adoption centres. It is best to ring around to see if any clinics would be in a position to look after your cat.
- RSPCA WA: they also have a waiting list- please contact them for wait time
- Gumtree or other selling sites: provided your cat is desexed and microchipped, Gumtree is a great way to rehome your cat. It will give you peace of mind in meeting the new owner and feeling comfortable with them and means your cat will not suffer the stress of being in a shelter environment, we cannot over emphasise the impact this can have on your cat.
- Cat Haven: we are truly a last resort, when you have exhausted all other avenues and we cannot guarantee we will be able to rehome your cat although we will do our best. Once a cat is surrendered to us, we cannot provide any further information to its outcome. We have over 8,000 cats and kittens per year coming in and are not resourced to be answer your queries.
If you are relinquishing your cat for behaviour issues, please consider the following:
Behavioural issues are one of the most common reasons people may want to give up their cat. Fortunately many behaviour problems can be easily treated. Problems such as inappropriate toileting and spraying, inability to get along with other household pets, scratching the furniture and aggression are often amenable to treatment, which may be a combination of retraining, pheromones and sometimes medications.
Has anything changed in your cat’s life? a new pet, or person in the household? A stray cat hanging around and putting your cat under stress.
What should you do first before surrendering?
Many behavioural problems have an underlying physical cause. Have you taken your cat to a vet for a physical examination? Sometimes issues such as inappropriate urination around the house may be due to bladder or kidney problems which may be easily treated. Nocturnal activity may be related to an overactive thyroid. There may be an easily remedied reason for your cat’s unusual behaviour. All cats that have behavioural problems should have an examination and preferably a blood and urine test before they are surrendered.
Have you talked to a vet about your cat’s behaviour problems?
Your local vet is likely to have quite a lot of experience in dealing with behavioural problems and will know your cat. It is very likely that your vet will be able to suggest some methods that will help you and your cat.
Have you considered speaking to an animal behaviourist?
There are a number of vets in Perth who have advanced training in the treatment of animal behaviour problems. Your usual vet may refer you to them or you can obtain a list from the Veterinary Surgeons’ Board. Their skill and expertise may help you avoid having to surrender your cat.
Have you tried Feliway®?
Feliway is a synthetic version of a pheromone produced by the mother cat that kittens are exposed to early in their life, the Feline Appeasement Pheromone. This pheromone has a calming effect on many cats. It is available as a spray or a plug-in diffuser. It can be a very useful tool in helping cats with behavioural problems due to unidentified stress. You should at least try Feliway for a month before surrendering your cat.
What should you do first before surrendering?
Many behavioural problems have an underlying physical cause. Have you taken your cat to a vet for a physical examination? Sometimes issues such as inappropriate urination around the house may be due to bladder or kidney problems which may be easily treated. Nocturnal activity may be related to an overactive thyroid. There may be an easily remedied reason for your cat’s unusual behaviour. All cats that have behavioural problems should have an examination and preferably a blood and urine test before they are surrendered.Have you talked to a vet about your cat’s behaviour problems?
Your local vet is likely to have quite a lot of experience in dealing with behavioural problems and will know your cat. It is very likely that your vet will be able to suggest some methods that will help you and your cat.
Have you considered speaking to an animal behaviourist?
There are a number of vets in Perth who have advanced training in the treatment of animal behaviour problems. Your usual vet may refer you to them or you can obtain a list from the Veterinary Surgeons’ Board. Their skill and expertise may help you avoid having to surrender your cat.
Have you tried Feliway®?
Feliway is a synthetic version of a pheromone produced by the mother cat that kittens are exposed to early in their life, the Feline Appeasement Pheromone. This pheromone has a calming effect on many cats. It is available as a spray or a plug-in diffuser. It can be a very useful tool in helping cats with behavioural problems due to unidentified stress. You should at least try Feliway for a month before surrendering your cat.
Does it cost money to surrender my cat to Cat Haven?
If you have tried all of the above, and we are using us as a last resort, there is a surrender $65 fee to cover some of the costs associated with taking your cat in. All surrenders area via a booking strictly Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 11.00am- we do not accept cats on weekends. Bookings can be made by emailing us at admin@cathaven.com.au to book an appointment, please do not assume your cat is booked us until we have confirmed with you. During the wait for surrender, please continue to speak with family, friends, work colleagues etc. and should you find a home, let us know and we will cancel your appointment.
Stray Cats
Your local Government is responsible for the management of stray cats and should be contacted if you find a stray cat or kittens. If your council refuses to assist, then get in touch with us and we try to help. We will require information in relation to the council, and the person you spoke with for follow up with them. If you do bring a stray into us, we ask for a small of $20 to assist with the vet work the cat will require. Stray cats are also via appointments which are strictly Monday to Friday 9.00am to 11.00am. Every cat coming into Cat Haven costs on average any where between $400 to $500 and we have to raise 98% of our own operating costs. Please ensure you email admin@cathaven.com.au to make an appointment.
Do not encourage stray cats by regular feeding, please contact your Local Council instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is proposed?
A staged rebuild with the consolidation and collocation of functions will improve workflows across the site whilst expanding useable area by building up. Stage 1 will see the demolition of the existing ‘cottage’ (admin, foster) with a double storey building in its place comprising sort/intake, clinic, office, and training facilities. Upon completion, the former clinic building will be refurbished for our foster operations and the former sort/intake area will be refurbished as dedicated volunteer amenities.
Stage 2 will be the consolidation and rebuild of cat accommodation facilities for holding, adoptions and boarding.
Stage 3 will see the removal of all remaining buildings/structures and replacement with the balance of facilities (quarantine, foster, utilities, store, maintenance). Subject to funding, options will be considered for a separate redevelopment of the existing reception/retail building and carpark.
What options have been considered?
Seven options were reviewed with six deemed unviable. Refurbishing or extending our facilities would not materially change underlying issues. Equally, doing nothing would just defer issues. Changing our business model to outsource clinical services would result in a loss of control, clinical cost increases, and potential reduction of service. Relocating our operations to an alternate site would allow for a bespoke build however previous investigations have not identified suitable land like our current site.
The last option is to rebuild on the existing site. A full demolition and rebuild would require relocation to a temporary facility to maintain operations with considerable setup costs. A staged rebuild would allow for continued operations, albeit with manageable disruption. The staged option would see smaller packages of work undertaken and, whilst taking overall longer to deliver, would likely be more palatable to funding stakeholders.
Why now?
Capacity Planning: Addressing
infrastructure needs now allows us to proactively prepare for potential
increases in cat intake volumes. By expanding capacity and improving facilities ahead of anticipated changes in the Cat Act, we can better accommodate the needs of a larger cat population without compromising on care standards or overcrowding.
Operational Efficiency: Upgrading
facilities now improves operational efficiency and effectiveness, enabling us
to handle higher intake volumes more seamlessly. This will help facilitate
smoother operations, reduce stress on staff and volunteers, and ensure optimal
care for all cats.
Compliance with Regulations:
Anticipated changes to the Cat Act may introduce new requirements or standards for animal welfare organisations. By undertaking the project now, we can proactively ensure compliance with future regulations, avoiding potential penalties or legal challenges associated with non-compliance. It also ensures we remain able to respond if smaller welfare organisations cannot.
Financial Considerations: Delaying
the project may result in increased costs in the long run. As cat intake volumes rise, we may face greater strain on existing facilities, leading to higher maintenance expenses, increased operational costs (particularly via
outsourcing), and potential emergency repairs.
Animal Welfare: Every day that Cat
Haven operates with inadequate facilities, cats may suffer due to overcrowding or substandard living conditions. Acting promptly to improve facilities means providing a better quality of life for cats in need, minimising their
suffering, and maximising their chances of adoption.
What are the benefits of the redevelopment?
Improved Animal Welfare: Upgrading
facilities will provide better conditions for the cats, including better ventilation, temperature control, and space, leading to enhanced physical and mental well-being.
Enhanced Health and Safety:
Modernised facilities will improve infection control, reducing the risk of
diseases among the cats and workers. This also ensures a safer environment for visitors.
Increased Adoption Rates: With
improved facilities and a more welcoming environment, potential adopters are more likely to visit Cat Haven and consider adopting. This can lead to higher adoption rates and reduced overcrowding.
Better Working Conditions: Upgraded
facilities will improve the working environment for our workers, fostering improved morale and productivity. This includes ergonomic workspaces, improved lighting, dedicated volunteer amenities, and better-equipped medical facilities.
Community Engagement: A new Cat Haven will serve as a hub for community engagement, hosting events, workshops, and educational programs. This will foster a sense of community involvement and support for cat welfare initiatives including responsible pet ownership.
How does this align with our Strategic Plan?
Our current Strategic Plan is premised around three pillars: organisational sustainability, technology infrastructure, and community and stakeholder engagement. New facilities will ensure Cat Haven can become more efficient with better resource allocation, increased capability, and capacity for care. The integration of new technology will ensure we can deliver the best care to our cats, improve site productivity, and reduce length of stay. Expanded capacity will ensure we can support more local government’s meet their requirements under the Cat Act and increase opportunities to host educators and their students to support the next generation.
What happened to the Lotterywest grant awarded in 2022 for a transportable building?
Cat Haven submitted, and received, development approval in 2023 for a transportable building that was to be installed adjacent the cottage. The project encountered an unforeseen technical issue which would have resulted in a budget blowout requiring considerable additional funding by Cat Haven in addition to the grant. The Board decided to cancel the project as it did not represent good value for money. Lotterywest approved the repurposing of the grant for planning and design of Stage 1 of the redevelopment.
How will the site be impacted during the build and how will this impact the cats?
We will seek to minimise impact to operations during construction. Access around the site will change to facilitate safe access with fencing and signage. There will be temporary facilities in place to allow certain functions to continue operating. The builder will seek to limit noise and vibration as best possible. Calming music and Feliway diffusers will be maintained in the cat accommodation areas.
Will the site be accessible to people of all abilities?
Yes, the new buildings will be compliant with current access requirements including lifts.
What is the cost?
The full site redevelopment is likely to cost in excess of $30m based on a recent similar development undertaken by RSCPA South Australia, however, will be subject to the final scope and when construction is anticipated to be undertaken. The Stage 1 development is likely to cost around $9-$11m, including full fit out and temporary works to support the build.
What is the cost benefit?
Cat Haven delivers an essential community service to the Western Australian community particularly as a place of last resort. Our ongoing operations not only save local government rate payers around $3.4m of direct cat management costs annually, we also conservatively save environmental damages of around $2.6m by removing stray and unwarranted cats from the streets. By 2034 these savings are anticipated to rise to $5m and $4m, respectively, in today’s terms.
Despite saving the Western Australian community annual direct costs of over $3m, our annual Stage Government grant under the Companion Animal Shelter Program is $150,000.
Benefit cost ration modelling for the full redevelopment over a 20 year horizon shows a BCR of circa 3.8.
Who is funding the redevelopment?
Cat Haven is liaising with potential funding stakeholders including the State Government, Lotterywest and private entities.
Cat Haven will contribute some funds toward the redevelopment.
Why can’t this be funded entirely by Cat Haven?
Cat Haven runs at a considerable operating loss every year and must rely nearly entirely on community goodwill. Whilst bequests do provide a welcome source of revenue, they are unpredictable and cannot be quarantined for capital expenditure purposes such as this redevelopment. Cat Haven is attempting to diversify revenue streams through initiatives such as the Op Shop and is undertaking a holistic review of the Cat Management Facility program.
I do not agree with spending on infrastructure when this money could go directly toward the cats. Why can’t this be done?
Cost-Efficiency: While direct spending on cat welfare is crucial, neglecting infrastructure can result in higher operational costs over time due to inefficiencies, maintenance issues, and potential liabilities. By addressing infrastructure needs now, we can reduce long-term expenses and allocate more resources to the cats in the future.
Impact on Animal Welfare: Improved infrastructure creates a healthier and more comfortable environment for the cats, which can lead to reduced medical expenses, improved adoption rates, and overall better welfare outcomes for the cats.
Impact on Worker Welfare: Modern facilities will ensure we can create a collaborative and more efficiently run the organisation. Worker retention (both staff and volunteers) will be improved by providing a comfortable workplace where all workers feel valued and can perform at their best. New facilities will remove legacy hazards and potential liabilities.
Donor Stewardship: Investing in infrastructure not only benefits the cats but also enhances the ability to fulfill our mission and serve the community. Prudent and responsible financial management to date has positioned us to be able to invest in our future and minimise future exposure.
Long-Term Vision: Investing in our infrastructure is part of a comprehensive strategy to build a sustainable and resilient Cat Haven that can continue to provide high-quality care for the cats for years to come. The redevelopment lays the foundation for future growth and success.
Community Impact: A modernised shelter will attract more visitors, volunteers, and support from the community, leading to increased awareness, engagement, and collaboration on cat welfare issues. Our enhanced capacity will ensure we can support the Western Australian community more comprehensively.
Balancing Priorities: We are committed to finding a balance between immediate needs and long-term investments, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to maximise impact for both the cats and the community.
What consultation has happened and how can I get involved?
Consultation commenced with key staff in late 2023 to ensure functional requirements and building workflows were understood. A designer has been engaged to provide specialist technical input and to further develop the design suitable for development approval.
As the project develops, there will be opportunities for the community to contribute to ways that Cat Haven can celebrate its history.
I am concerned Cat Haven’s identity and the ‘feel’ may change because of the redevelopment, what are you doing to preserve this?
Mission Alignment: Our core mission and values remain unchanged. The redevelopment is aimed at better fulfilling this mission by improving the facilities and services provided to the cats.
Continued Commitment: We dedicated to our primary objective of rescuing cats from the perils of the streets. The redevelopment is intended to enhance our ability to fulfill this commitment, rather than detract from it.
Animal-Centric Approach: Every decision regarding the redevelopment is being made with the cats’ best interests in mind. This includes considerations such as providing comfortable living spaces, enriching environments, and high-quality veterinary care.
Maintaining Core Values: Our core values, such as integrity, respect, kindness, and ongoing improvement, will continue to guide all aspects of our operations, even amidst changes brought about by the redevelopment.
Open Communication: We will maintain open lines of communication throughout the redevelopment process to address any concerns or questions that arise. This will be undertaken through regular project updates and forums to allow our members and the wider community the opportunity to understand the project and its benefits in more detail.