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.

Tilly

Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Colour: tabby with ginger
DOB: September 2022
Gender: Female
Personality: Playful and sassy
Size: 3.7kg

Status: Taking applications

My Story:

I was rescued by Feral Nation and adopted by good people, so I am sad to leave them. I had the best cat mum and dad. They were almost always home, and his illness meant no visitors. I got to see other people on the screen; they wouldn’t start a meeting without “Tilly Time”! But then our house fell down the hill and we couldn’t live there, and the new place won’t allow cats (imagine!), so I have come to Neko Ngeru to seek a new family. I am a little bit shy around new people and prefer a quiet home. Other cats are okay if they obey me. If they don’t, I will hit them.

Things I like:

doing things my way, looking down on you, petting and attention, play and food

Marmite

Breed: Domestic Medium Hair
Colour: Black
DOB: Nov. 2015
Gender: Male
Personality: Timid
Size: 4.0kg

Status: Applications on hold (new cat)

My Story:

I’m called Marmite but I’m not at all salty. I am quite shy so you may not see that I have only three legs. I lost one when I was one year old, but it doesn’t cause any trouble now. My sister, Callie, and my mom, Anya, and I were happy with our person. She was the only human we knew until she died. Then her friend got us into Neko Ngeru so we can find a new home. I will need patient people, willing to wait until I am ready to come out of hiding.

Things I like:

Hiding under the couch, reaching out to play with a toy and food

Callie

Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Colour: light calico
DOB: Feb. 2016
Gender: Female
Personality: Timid
Size: 5.9kg

Status: Taking Applications

My Story:

Hi, I’m Callie. I am more confident than my brother Marmite. I don’t mind letting you see me. I love my brother and mother, Anya, but I don’t necessarily need to stay with them forever. I am scared of crowds, children, dogs and other noisy things. I’m happy to be an inside only cat.

Things I like:

food and exploring at night, watching everything from my high box, catnip and getting petted

Sally

Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Colour: Tabby/White
DOB: 2023
Gender: Female
Personality: Friendly, confident
Size: 3.4kg

Status: Taking Applications

My Story:

Hey there! I’m Sally. Let’s play! Don’t let my tiny size fool you. I may be just a kitten, but I am not afraid to take up space once I decide the time is right. I have lots of energy and curiosity and will follow you around like a playful shadow. I love ping pong balls and small plush toys that I can bat around or carry from place to place. I need to be reminded not to bite human hands, so please use toys with me instead. I don’t like dogs. My confidence can overwhelm shy cats. When I want some ‘me time’, I will hide under a couch or bed. Let’s see if we can be friends.

Things I like:

Cuddle once I know you, getting a lot of attention.

Roz

Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Colour: Black/White
DOB: 2023
Gender: Female
Personality: curious
Size: 3.6kg

Status: Taking Applications

My Story:

I’m Roz, sometimes called Mama Roz. I was with some people but when they found out I was pregnant, they dumped me in the village square. I had my kittens there and was doing my best for them, but it was hard until one day a nice family scooped us up and took us to their home so I could have a safe place to raise my four babies. My kids grew up strong in that busy home with seven kids, and once they were getting weaned, we went to Feral Nation. I’m so grateful that we all got a chance to live and find good homes. I may take a while to trust people, but I know some of you are good so I will give you a chance and maybe you can be my forever person.

Things I like:

being in a high place, chin rubs and sitting beside

Anya

Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Colour: Tortoie
DOB: 22/04/2015
Gender: Female
Personality: timid
Size: 3.5kg

Status: Applications on hold (new cat)

My Story:

Hello, my name is Anya. Marmite and Callie are my children. When we lived with our person, they liked to stay inside while I liked to go out more. Now that our person is gone, the biggest adjustment for me is having to be around other cats. I prefer to be the only cat without competition for your affection.

Things I like:

Hiding under the couch, getting petted by people I trust

Goose

Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Colour: Tabby/White
DOB: 5/10/2023
Gender: Female
Personality: playful, friendly
Size: 2.5kg

Status: Applications on hold (new cat)

My Story:

HI! I’m Goose (also called Gertrude or Gertie Goose). I am ready to play, so Let’s GO! I was born in Upper Hutt and surrendered to Neko Ngeru so I could find a good home of my own. I had so much fun with my fosters and their cat Rococo. I learned how to play with lots of people and also PIPE CLEANERS. Now, I would rather play than anything else. Sometimes I don’t even want to eat. I just go until I collapse. So, if I’m sleeping, let me rest. I will be ready to play again soon.

Things I like:

Playing with anything and anyone.

Hunter (Lucas Hunter)

Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Colour: Black
DOB: Nov. 2023
Gender: Male
Personality:
Size: 2.5kg

Status: Applications on hold (new cat)

My Story:

My name is Lucas Hunter, but you can call me Hunter. They say I have a lot of confidence. If that means I go get what I want, then it must be true. Mostly, I want to play but sometimes, I like to have quiet times with my uncle and sister. You can respect that, right? I was really young when I was rescued from a car engine with my sister and got to join my grandma in the Neko Ngeru foster. So, I like to sit on human laps sometimes. My mom got rescued later and she’s still not sure about you humans, so she will come join us when she’s ready. My grandma is even more shy, so she’s gonna take her time too. I’m glad my sister and uncle Alfie are here at the café with me.

Things I like:

Playing with humans and other cats

Nyx (Nyx Of The Night Bedecked With Stars)

Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Colour: Black
DOB: Nov. 2023
Gender: Female
Personality: friendly, playful
Size: 2kg

Status: Applications on hold (new cat)

My Story:

My name is Nyx of the Night Bedecked with Stars, but everyone calls me Nyx. You can distinguish me from my brother by my one white whisker. (wasn’t it nice of me to do that for you?) I am not as bold as he is, but I also like humans and think you make nice beds and transportation sometimes. I am grateful that we were rescued by the Neko Ngeru handyman along with our mom (Gracie Eve), grandma (Ingrid) and uncle (Alfie). It’s exciting to be in the café where there are so many people and other cats to play with.

Things I like:

Playing is nice but so is chilling out with my family.

Alfie

Breed: Domestic Meduim Hair
Colour: Grey Tabby/White
DOB: Nov. 2023
Gender: Male
Personality: Timid
Size: 2.9kg

Status: Applications on hold (new cat)

My Story:

My name is Alfie. I was born in a woodshed in Kelson. The family of that house caught me a while after they got my brother, mother, older sister, and her kittens so I was super skinny when I came to Neko Ngeru. My mum, sister, nephew, and niece were already at the nice foster’s. I enjoyed playing with my family except when my brother came to stay for a bit. He didn’t know how to play nicely. He didn’t have sissy, mum, and nephews to teach him. I think it’s important to wait my turn and play gently with my younger family.  I’ve just started to trust the humans and gotten braver in my exploring. Now, I’m going to explore the cat café and learn even more about playing with other cats and humans. I look forward to more of my family joining me here. I know about chickens and fear children. Hopefully, you will be patient with me.

Things I like:

Playing with my family

Ziggy

Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Colour: Tabby/White
DOB: Dec. 2021
Gender: Male
Personality: timid at first then affectionate
Size: 4.3 kg

Status: Left for his trial!

My Story:

I was born in the bush and didn’t trust humans even the nice people of Poneke Ngeru who found me. Being with the other cats in fosters for Neko Ngeru was fine but I couldn’t understand why those cats let the humans touch them. As soon as I got a chance, I ran away by pushing open a window. I lived wild around Korokoro for two years until I let my guard down and got taken to the SPCA. I bashed myself against the cages but they were able to read my microchip and so they contacted Ken and Richelle. So, I wound up back with Neko Ngeru. Ken and Richelle’s cats told me that I was better off staying, and that human touch could be very nice. They were right! Now I like petting and brushing so much. I can still feel nervous if people move suddenly, but I have decided I will stay with humans. I usually don’t come out when customers are here, but I might change my mind soon.

Things I like:

Brushing, petting, playing with other cats, all toys and hiding under the couch until I trust you.

Nala

Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Colour: Grey
DOB: Dec. 2022
Gender: Female
Personality: quiet but playful
Size: 5.1kg

Status: Left for her trial!

My Story:

I’m Nala, Neo’s sister. While I am less outgoing than he is, I still like people once I get to know them. I am just more laid back (or maybe smarter) than my brother. He often gets in trouble for things I’ve done. That’s funny. I do play with him a lot so it all evens out. Once I know I can trust you, I love to cuddle up to you and may even let you touch my belly. I am a maniac when chasing the red dot, but I also like my quiet ‘me’ time. My favourite spots to sleep are up high. If you are really lucky, I will show you my pole dancing skills on the tower.

Things I like:

petting and playing with the red dot, strings, and feathers.

Ako

Breed: Domestic Short Hair
Colour: Ginger & White
DOB: 2019
Gender: Male
Personality: Cool, beginning to trust
Size: 6.5kg

Status: Left for his trial!

My Story:

I lived for a few years outside the Malaysian Embassy. I was good friends with their cat FeiFei so his people took care of me. When the ambassador had a new posting, they wanted to make sure I had good care, so they sent me to Neko Ngeru. It took me a while to get used to being inside with people, but my fosters were patient and kind. Eventually, I could see from how they treated their cat, Madge, (also a Neko Ngeru graduate) that they could be trusted. Besides, I really needed some brushing. Now I am comfortable with petting and playing, but I’m afraid of some of the cats at the café.  Quiet, patient people will probably be best for me.

Things I like:

Catnip! Sunbathing and sleeping on your bed

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

Delilah – Worker Cat

Breed: Domestic Long Hair
Colour: Ginger & White
DOB: August 2019
Gender: Female
Personality: playful and sweet
Size: 4.6kg

My Story:

Hello, I’m called Delilah. I lived happily with Candy and Carter, my whole life until we had to move. My human mom was in a terrible situation, but she made sure to get us into Neko Ngeru where we can find good homes. I hope to stay at Neko Ngeru for a long time. I can’t really decide whether I like cuddling Candy or Neo better. Hope I don’t have to decide. I will cuddle with you too, but only at my own choice. If I am comfortable enough, I may start cleaning your hair. It’s good if you brush me too.

Things I like:

Your attention, sitting on your lap, getting in your face and new people to love

Neo – Worker Cat

Breed: Domestic Shorthair
Colour: Ginger (Cameo)
DOB: Dec. 2022
Gender: Male
Personality: Outgoing and playful
Size: 5.2kg

My Story:

Hi there! I’m Neo and I’m sure I’m going to like you! I love cuddles, having my head and tummy rubbed, stretching out while sleeping, playing with my favourite toys and other cats.  I’m intelligent, a fast learner, and very curious. I will tell you what I want when I want it. I love food, but I’m not greedy if other cats want to share what I have. Don’t laugh at me when I crash into things while chasing a toy, and I am sure we will be friends forever.

Things I like:

petting and playing with the green stick, string, and the laser pointer.

Carter – Worker Cat

Breed: Domestic Medium Hair
Colour: Ginger & White
DOB: 2019
Gender: Male
Personality: timid then playful and smoochy
Size: 6.5kg

My Story:

Hi, my name is Carter. My sister, Delilah, and I were happy at our home. Candy was there too. We had to leave it, but it was okay because at least I was with my sister and Candy wasn’t around at the foster. Unfortunately, the café was not big enough for the both of us. I had to go back the foster’s until Candy gets adopted. I can sometimes get scared of loud noises or new people, but I bounce back quickly and am ready to jump up for a hug and resting my head on your shoulder.

Things I like:

playing and snuggling with customers and watching everything outside the window.