After years of hard work and planning, the CPW Committee is delighted to officially open the new shelter extension this month.

The two-storey addition provides additional facilities for care of our cats, and plans were approved by members in 2019.

The “West Wing”, as it has been dubbed by volunteers, has an additional isolation unit, room to introduce cats to potential adopters, additional storage space, and cleaning facilities for staff and volunteers.

It also has private living apartments for cats who would otherwise be stressed by the shelter environment, and those have access to sunny enclosed balconies.

CPW is inviting friends and supporters to visit the shelter on Thursday 30 March from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

Both the new wing and the original shelter will be open for visitors to see and tour, and refreshments will also be available.

CPW President Iona Anderson (pictured right) says the shelter continued to operate throughout the construction of the new building.

“We took a number of steps to reduce the noise and stress for resident cats,” she said.

“They were mostly unaffected by the activity, although many of them found it interesting to watch!”

The new facilities have been road-tested by around a dozen cats since fitout was completed last year, and Iona is confident all the work has been worth it.

“I’d like to acknowledge the subcommittee who put so much time and effort into the project, and the volunteers who went the extra mile with carrying shelter supplies when we had detours due to construction. Everyone has been so patient, and it’s fantastic to get here at last!”