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)

Kohl

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

Status: Waiting for trial!

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

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!

Pansy

Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Colour: Black
DOB: 20/12/2023
Gender: Female
Personality: smoothie, friendly
Size:  4.4kg

Status: Taking applications

My Story:

Hi, I’m Pansy. Nice to meet you. I was rescued by Feral Nation when I was just five weeks old, all alone in a Porirua backyard. I have been a support kitten, comforting a grieving rescuer and a designated companion for some cats that needed help socialising. Each of my rolls has been quite fulfilling, but nothing has been quite the right fit. I like people, especially cuddling and playing. Other cats are okay. I have had gum infection treatment and should eat dental biscuits to keep my teeth healthy. Some mean people say I can afford to lose some weight. Will you be the one I can give all my love to?

Things I like:

hiding under the couch, playing and petting

Missy

Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Colour: Torbie
DOB: Nov. 2016
Gender: Female
Personality: spicy & chatty
Size:  7kg

Status: Applications on hold (new cat)

My Story:

That’s right. I’m Missy. I guess I’m lucky to be alive. When my person went into care, the family didn’t want me anymore, so they took me to a vet. But the vet refused to kill me and got permission to find a new home for me. That’s how I came to Neko Ngeru. I still like people. Other cats, I can do without. They make me grumpy. So, I don’t really show my best side here. On my own, I’m chatty and affectionate, with a bit of attitude of course! I’m hoping that someone will give me a chance and get me out of here so I can enjoy life again.

Things I like: 

ong conversations, some play, a comfortable place to sit

Akemi

Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Colour: Calico
DOB: ???
Gender: Female
Personality: timid & cuddly
Size:  5kg

Status: Applications on hold (new cat)

My Story:

Did you call me Akemi? Yes. That was my name. I don’t remember much of my history. Or I don’t want to remember. I was befriended by a nice cat when I was lost and alone and her people got me some help at Feral Nation. Grooming helps me feel safer but I really overdid it and so I didn’t have much hair left on my back and belly. It’s almost grown back completely but I can sometimes still seem a little stunned. Here at Neko Ngeru, I tried to make friends with Missy, but she hit me, so I hid under the couch. I don’t know if I will try again soon or not. I LOVE to sit on human laps, so I guess I will come out when I am ready since there seem to be lots of good laps here.

Things I like: 

snugging in a human lap

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:  3 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