About Cat Haven
What do we do?
“Rescuing Cats from the Perils of the Streets” was the original aim of the Cat Welfare Society when it was established in 1961. Thanks to the efforts of dedicated staff and volunteers over many years we have grown to become Western Australia’s premier cat welfare organisation, trading under the name of Cat Haven.
Cat Haven, WA’s largest shelter for homeless, lost and abused cats. Our vision is that every WA cat should be a well-cared for cat and we work towards achieving this by providing:
- shelter facilities for lost, abandoned and stray cats;
- a foster care program that allows sick, injured and shy animals to recover in volunteers’ homes until they are ready for adoption; and
- a re-homing program at the Cat Haven campus as well as through a network of 23 external adoption centers across the metropolitan area.
Cat Haven takes in 7,000-9,000 cats and kittens every year and has a zero euthanasia rate for treatable re-homable cats. We have over 700 members, employ 55 staff and are supported by 71 volunteers who assist at the shelter and over 800 volunteer foster carers.
Cat Haven’s core business is not only about improving the welfare of cats and kittens but also about improving the lives of people in the community and protecting our environment. Our rescue and surrender services ensure stray and unwanted cats are properly cared for and placed into suitable new homes rather than being ‘dumped’ on the streets. In this way we help reduce the stray and feral cat population and all the problems these can create for people as well as protecting native species. Our re-homing services help people find a cat or kitten that suits their lifestyle thereby helping individuals and families gain the benefits of owning a companion animal.
In addition to these services, Cat Haven run a number of community programs including:
- Free emergency cat boarding for people in crisis
We provide free emergency boarding of cats and kittens for people in crisis situations, such as escaping domestic violence; being made homeless; needing emergency hospital treatment; or needing inpatient mental health treatment. Often, in situations involving domestic violence and mental health problems, people have little or no access to support from family or friends and are socially isolated. For these pet owners and their children, the bond and companionship they share with their cat is a lifeline. Unfortunately, most human refuges and hospitals will not allow pets, and traditional pet boarding facilities not only charge a fee but will not take pets on short notice without appropriate veterinarian records to show that vaccinations are current. As a result, people may delay fleeing violence or seeking medical treatment due to concerns over the safety of their cat. When a person does eventually seek help, they generally have to surrender their pet resulting in further trauma for them. Cat Haven supports people in seeking the help they need by providing free boarding for their cat so that they know their cat will be safe and that they can be reunited once their circumstances improve.
- Companion cats in residential aged care facilities
Studies have shown that regular interaction with animals has a positive effect on mental health and also helps to combat feelings of loneliness, particularly in the aged community. Cat Haven encourages Perth residential care facilities to adopt older, more sedate cats to become a communal cat at the facility bringing companionship and joy to the residents. Cat Haven provides food and equipment for the cat free of charge and monitors the well being of the cat providing free health checks and vet treatment as required.
- Subsidised sterilisation and microchipping
If a litter of kittens is surrendered to Cat Haven we offer free sterilisation of the mother cat to ensure no further litters are produced. We also conduct special projects to assist members of the community in sterilising and microchipping their cats.
- Cat Rescue Service
Cat Haven employs a Cat Rescue Officer who is skilled in cat handling and available to assist members of the public and Local Government Authorities in rescuing stray animals. Our Cat Rescue Officer has assisted with trapping and collecting abandoned cats and kittens; rescuing cats and kittens caught in dangerous places such as drains and chimneys; collecting cats from hoarding situations; and providing advice to Rangers and the general public regarding cat handling to minimise the risk of injuries to people and the cats.
- Outreach Program
Our Outreach Program offers free cat food to financially disadvantaged people in the Perth community, helping them keep their companion cat in their homes.
- Education about cat welfare issues and responsible pet ownership
We provide education and training to volunteers and the general public to raise awareness of, and commitment to, sterilisation, microchipping and cat care to optimise cat well being and reduce the number of stray and unwanted cats which is vital to protect native fauna. Education is provided through social media, print media, radio, telephone advice, group presentations and special events.
- Training opportunities for Murdoch University Veterinary students.
Each year, students training to become vets or vet nurses at Murdoch University spend practical placements at Cat Haven. In the shelter Vet Clinic they are exposed to a wide range of cat and kitten health issues and have the opportunity to observe clinical consultations with owners; clinical examinations; diagnostic testing and result interpretation; development of treatment plans including use of medications; surgery and post surgical care. Cat Haven works closely with specialist veterinarians in fields such as orthopaedics and ophthalmology, which provides students with exposure to these areas of specialisation.
- Assistance to other animal welfare groups.
Cat Haven works closely with the RSPCA and local community rescue groups. We assist the RSPCA with the rescue of cats and kittens and can provide care for animals on occasions the RSPCA facilities are full. We support small rescue groups by inviting their participation in adoption events giving their rescued animals a higher profile and better chance of finding homes. We also share donations when we receive surplus to our needs and provide vet advice and short term care for animals when possible.
Our Values
Cat Haven’s core values underpin our actions and guide our behaviour as individuals and as an organisation. They are fundamental to the way we work to achieve our mission and aspirations.Integrity
We behave ethically and honestly. We are professional, trustworthy and dedicated to our work.Respect
We embrace diversity and listen to different points of view. We consider the feelings, wishes and rights of others.Kindness
We are approachable, helpful, considerate and compassionate. We care about the welfare of people and animals.Ongoing improvement
We are motivated, industrious and committed to achieving optimal outcomes. We value learning and welcome new ideas and ways to improve as individuals and as an organisation.Collaboration and Teamwork
We fulfil our responsibilities and support others to fulfil theirs. We are reliable, cooperative and generous in sharing our skills and knowledge.
Governance
The Cat Welfare Society Inc is an Incorporated Association that is overseen by a Board of Management elected from and by the Society’s members. Currently Board members include professionals from a broad range of industries.
Strategic Summary
Our Board
Robin Orton - Chair
Robin Orton joined the Board in October 2019 and has over 13 years experience as a Civil Engineer. He has a strong technical background along with project management experience, including subcontractor and financial management.
Robin also has extensive stakeholder management experience coupled with strong communication skills. He was worked with volunteer organisations and has a keen interest in social media.
Robin has four cats and has a passion for responsible cat ownership.
Nick Coombes - Treasurer
Nick has been lucky enough to be educated and exposed to frequent and highly regarded training revolving around leadership, commercial finance and general insurance.
Nick is genuinely interested in developing business opportunities through excellent customer service, efficient business practice and a pro-active attitude towards change management.
Nick and his wife Laura adopted Tabby over 4 years ago, and have been frequent participants of many of the Cat Haven events and regular donators.
When Nick is not working, or taking care of the fruit trees out the back, he enjoys watching the NFL with his cat Bontzi.
Amy Pearn - Secretary
Since her childhood, Amy’s family have been a permanent home to 5 cats (including 2 orphans and a stray). As an active member of the Cat Haven Foster Carers community since 2012, she has helped over 30 Cat Haven cats and kittens find or keep their forever homes. She hopes to extend her advocacy for health and wellbeing to the welfare of cats and kittens through her role on the Board.
Katy Jaksic
Over the past 15 years, Katy has been heavily involved in Cat Haven’s community fundraising events which has contributed not only additional funding but created new external relationships fostering more support for Cat Haven.
Over the years through her contacts, she has also arranged the donation of numerous trades, services and goods for the betterment of Cat Haven. As a passionate advocate in animal welfare Katy has been a member of other animal welfare committees along with visiting animals shelters in Nepal and India and volunteering at a cat shelter in Bali.
In 2016 Katy attended a companion animal shelter expo in the US run by the Humane Society to gain insight and learn new ideas in aspects of shelter management from numerous large organisations.
Katy has extensive experience in facility and project management within the mining sector and is now employed by a publicly listed company managing federal parliamentary offices across WA and SA.
Paul Anderson-Johnson
Paul and his wife Ngaire have also been actively involved in Animal Welfare matters since early 2017 having successfully reunited several families with their missing pets and volunteering in a variety of roles within Rescue. Their main interest is recovering cats from industrial areas, domesticating them and seeing them through to adoption.
Paul and Ngaire have two cats from Cat Haven, one from the Shenton Park facility and one from the External Adoption Centre programme, and a third they recovered from an industrial area as an undomesticated 18 month old who ultimately stayed on as the consummate house cat.
Brigitte Bouhours
Brigitte started volunteering with Cat Haven in 2021 when she researched the history of Cat Haven for the 60th Birthday celebrations. She went on volunteering at Wet Nose Day and other fundraising events as well as helping with preparations for these events. She joined the Board of Cat Haven in 2023.
Brigitte has an academic background in Sociology and Criminology and over 20 years’ experience in research and consultancy. Currently employed in Research Development in a large medical research institute, Brigitte has a lot of practice writing funding submissions, along with expertise in strategic thinking, planning, budgeting and managing research projects. She wants to use these skills to support the work of Cat Haven and particularly investigate and secure new grants for Cat Haven.
Brigitte has a strong interest in researching responsible cat ownership and management to improve cat welfare but also to limit the impact cats have on the environment. She wants to look at solutions for dealing with stray cats, and issues such as cat containment, to learn about what has been tried elsewhere and what works.
Brigitte is passionate about animal welfare. Prior to settling in Perth in 2017, she lived in Cambodia where she helped establish a cat shelter and Cat Café. Although challenging, it was a valuable experience to understand how cat shelters operate and the difficulties they face. Cats have always been part of Brigitte’s life. She was raised with a black kitten, born on the same day as her. He was followed over time by a number of stray and adopted cats. She currently shares her home with Manu, a 9-year old boy adopted from Cat Haven in 2017.
Kelly McKenzie
Kelly joined the board in September 2023 and has more than 25 years’ experience in a variety of human resources roles within the tourism, hospitality and agriculture sectors. She’s held senior roles leading teams tasked with developing leadership capability, improving organisational culture, building talent pipelines and creating engaging employee experiences.
She is passionate about valuing and developing people, who are the heart of every thriving organisation.
Gary Westacott
Gary is a highly experienced Accountant (CPA), with over 34 years of expertise in his field. For the last 15 years he has been a Senior Consultant working for a prominent IT consulting company, where he specialises in implementing financial software and developing complex financial models for large organisations. He has worked across most industries and is an expert in financial analysis, budgeting and planning, banking and leading large projects.
Outside of his professional life, Gary is deeply involved in animal welfare where he has been a foster carer for four years at the Cat Haven, helping cats that struggle in shelter environments. Listed as an expert on the Cat Haven foster carers page, Gary frequently offers his advice. Prior to this Gary volunteered at another rescue for over 10 years.
Gary’s passion for cats extends into his personal life as well. Alongside his wife, he co-founded a cat behaviour training business, which has now been successfully running for nine years. Together, they work to improve the lives of cats and promote responsible ownership. They also have their own cats with one Cat Haven foster fail.
Rules of Association
To see a copy of our Rules of Association click here.
Cat Haven Website Privacy Policy
To see a copy of our website privacy policy click here.Cat Haven Annual Reports
Cat Haven Annual Report 2023-2024
Cat Haven Annual Report 2022 - 2023
Cat Haven Annual Report 2021 - 2022
Cat Haven Annual Report 2020 - 2021
Cat Haven Annual Report 2019 - 2020
Cat Haven Financial Report
The Financial Reports are available on request, please email secretary@cathaven.com.au
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 unwanted 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 ratio 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 fulfil 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.