Cats in the Café

– About Our Cats –

All our cats are available for adoption. Some of them stay longer than others to teach newbies how to behave around humans and other cats. We call them ’Worker Cats.’ We call all other cats ‘Available Cats.’

When cats/kittens arrive at the cafe, they need to stay for a month. We study their personality during this period and people can submit the pre-adoption forms. After a month or so, we will look for the best match for that cat/kitten. We also sometime cannot release cats if the cafe has less than 10 cats in the café.

We work with some cat rescue organisations in the Wellington region like Feral Nation and Rachel’s KittyCat Rescue NZ. We do some rescue activities by ourselves and accept surrendered cats with careful screening.

Gracie

Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Colour: Grey/White
DOB: 
Gender: Female
Personality: Timid
Size: 

Status: Waiting for trial!

My Story:

I was rescued with my kittens (Nyx and Hunter), mother (Ingrid) and brother (Alfie) from the backyard of home in Kelson where I was born. I lived outside around chickens and lots of other cats there, but it took a long time for me to get used to humans. I was just starting to trust the fosters when I came here to Neko Ngeru to be with my kids and my brother. I am still hiding under the couch and am not ready for anyone to touch me yet. Give me time. I can be playful and sweet once I get to trust you.

Things I like:

Hiding in a safe place, food, play and petting (once I trust you)

Rangi

Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Colour: Tabby
DOB: 22/02/2022
Gender: Male
Personality: Timid
Size: 4.25kg

Status: Trying new home!

My Story:

I was surrendered directly to Neko Ngeru with my sister, Aroha, when our human dad got sick and everyone we loved left the country. Our life has been full of change and noise since then. We just want to have peace and quiet. I like people a lot more than other cats and I’m braver than my sister. I will come out from my hiding place to be petted if I feel you will protect me from these boisterous cats. My legs are a bit bowed and I have some asthma, but it’s not serious.

Things I like:

Hiding in a safe place and petting (once I trust you)

Aroha

Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Colour: Tabby
DOB: 22/02/2022
Gender: Female
Personality: Timid
Size: 

Status: Trying new home!

My Story:

I was surrendered with my brother, Rangi, when our humans got sick and left the country. I am still dealing with all the trauma, so I need to hide and learn whether or not this cat café is a safe place. If you like my brother, please like me too. We have always been together, and I don’t want to change that. Hopefully, I will be able to relax here and show you my true character and you will like me for myself.

Things I like:

Hiding in a safe place until I am comfortable then sunbathing

Kohl

Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Colour: Black
DOB: 25/10/2023
Gender: Male
Personality: Cautious and Smart
Size: 3.6kg

Status: Taking applications

My Story:

I was rescued with my sisters, Bambi and Rumer, by Rachel’s KittyCat Rescue around Masterton when we were very small. I was lucky to get rescued by such good people so young because I am able to trust humans. I also like playing with other cats. I am more cautious than Bambi because I want to make sure things are safe before I explore them. But, once I am, I can be as bold as the next cat.

Things I like:

Play and petting, climbing on everything and everyone.

Maxi

Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Colour: Black
DOB: 19/12/2023
Gender: Male
Personality: 
Size:  kg

Status: Taking applications

My Story:

I’m Maxi from Poneke Ngeru. I was supposed to come to the café months ago, but I had to wait until I could have an important surgery. (It’s okay, the troublesome things were found and removed.) You may notice my tail is different. I heard lots of cats have a bobtail like mine in Japan, so I don’t mind. I am still getting used to things here so give me time to get settled and I will tell you more.

Things I like:

Playing with all the toys, petting (even my belly is okay but be gentle) taking some ‘me time’ in a low, safe place, and escaping!

Mochi

Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Colour: Black
DOB: Feb 2024
Gender: Male
Personality: friendly
Size:  2.7kg

Status: Taking applications

My Story:

Hi! I’m Mochi from Poneke Ngeru. I’m Maxi’s friend. I was destined to keep him company. Now there are so many other cats to get to know. This seems an interesting place. People look like they might be fun to play with and comfortable places to sit. I’m still getting settled. Please give me time.

Things I like:

Playing with string or feathers, getting petted

Floyd

Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Colour: Ginger
DOB: 10/11/2024
Gender: Male
Personality: timid
Size:  4.9kg

Status: Waiting for trial!

My Story:

Heya, I’m Floyd, a quirky and kooky fella! Wild born in November 2023 from Masterton, I was rescued by Rachels Rescues back in December. Once I was around other friendly cats, I began to shine and show my true self. Motley is my buddy and I help give him confidence. At Neko Ngeru, we have been hiding under the couch but we will get braver soon. I love cat towers and their cosy dark hidey holes are my favourite place so you can look for me there. I can be a bit of a day dreamer but love human affection – almost too much so that I pull your hand back (politely but with claws out) when I want more. Highly food motivated, I love any and all treats.  I can be great with other cats but I’m unsure of dogs. Children over 11+ are okay.

Things I like:

hiding in the couch, playing

Motley

Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Colour: Black & White
DOB: 08/02/2024
Gender: Male
Personality: timid
Size:  3.6kg

Status: Taking applications

My Story:

Hey there! I’m Motley, though some at Rachel’s Rescues called me Chappy, I don’t know why. Some say I’m not so bright but I love to be loved.  Maybe I seem shy at first, but once I feel secure, I will shower you with smooches and playful nibbles. I also dribble when I am happy. I like to be with other cats and Floyd is my good friend. Maybe we can stay together? My striking white ears will require sunscreen and I prefer adults over children. I don’t know any dogs yet. Will you let me bring laughter and love into your home?

Things I like:

hiding under the couch, petting and FOOD!

Sapphire

Breed: Domestic Medium Hair
Colour: Grey
DOB: 
Gender: Female
Personality: calm, bold
Size:  4.6kg

Status: Trying new home!

My Story:

Hello, I’m called Sapphire. I lost my first humans somehow and had to raise my kittens in a bush. Two survived because there was a nice man feeding us and we all got rescued when they were three months old by Feral Nation. It was hard, but I never lost my trust of humans. I can take care of myself with other cats, but don’t make friends with them easily. Here at the café, I mostly stay back in the welcome cage because I feel safe there. I get curious occasionally, so you may see me exploring. Give me time and I may come out to play with you.

Things I like:

brushing with the long hair comb and petting on my chin

The cats below are worker cats. They will stay in the longer to teach newbies how to behave in the café.

Pippin – Worker Cat

Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Colour: Black & White
DOB: February 2021
Gender: Male
Personality: 
Size: 2.3 kg

My Story:

I’m Pippin because I will always be small. I have congenital Myasthenia Gravis, so I seem tired all the time and I can’t do all the things other cats do. I get special care, so I am doing all right. I can eat my food from a spoon and walk a little way, but I need to rest a lot. The other cats think I am a little gross because I drool on myself. That’s why I also need humans to give me a bath and my paws and belly are stained brown. I come to the café by day and go home with the Okada’s at night.

Things I like:

brushing, playing for a short time, getting fed and trying to lick myself

Rumer – Worker Cat

Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Colour: Tabby
DOB: 25/10/2023
Gender: Female
Personality: Friendly
Size: 3.1kg

My Story:

I was rescued with my sister and brother, Bambi and Kohl, by Rachel’s KittyCat Rescue around Masterton when we were very small. I was lucky to get rescued by such good people so young because I am able to trust humans. I also like playing with other cats. I am more cautious than Bambi, but I am playful and curious too. I sometimes play rough and have a bad habit of biting. Please help me overcome this by stopping play if I do it.

Things I like:

Play and petting, climbing on everything and everyone. Looking down from high places.

Wiley – Worker Cat

Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Colour: TabbyWhite
DOB: Feb. 2024
Gender: Male
Personality: 
Size: 2.8kg

My Story:

Hi, I’m Wiley. I was rescued by a nice lady on a lifestyle block in Pauatahanui. I was hiding under an upside-down bathtub. I probably wasn’t born wild, just got dumped by irresponsible people. I still like and trust humans though I can be cautious at first. It doesn’t take me long before I’m bouncy and playful, landing in your lap to knead it into a more comfortable shape or climbing on your shoulder for a ride.  I have a funny meow that’s very creaky. I like playing with other cats, but I also like to have time on my own. I want to grow big and strong like Carter! Will you provide a safe place for me to be my best self?

Things I like:

safe, low places, human laps and shoulders (when I want)

Maeve – Worker Cat

Breed: Domestic Medium Hair
Colour: Grey Calico
DOB: 01/03/2023
Gender: Female
Personality: bold, playful, attention seeker
Size:  kg

My Story:

HI! I’m Maeve. Nice to meet you! I was born to a semi-feral mum in a glass house in early March. Rescued by Feral Nation at eight weeks old, I was held back from adoption because I wasn’t growing. I’ve had all the blood tests come back negative so maybe I’m just meant to be small. I was going to be a headquarters cat. But, Gracie, the queen there, didn’t like my eagerness so I’m going to try Neko Ngeru to see if it suits me. I’ve been fine around dogs and kids. Gracie taught me to watch out for myself around other cats, so I can handle that too. Human laps are great places to sit and I love to play.

Things I like:

playing, laps and wrestling with Wiley