Kāpiti Cats - Found Minx

Kāpiti Cats - Found Minx From one missing cat to saving hundreds. When Minx was stolen and dumped far from home we created a page to help find him.

😻 Helping stray and abandoned kittens and cats in Kapiti, NZ
😺 trapping and making a plan
😽 kittens/cats available for adoption

(see "privacy and legal" section for our full story) Thanks to the incredible support of our community we brought him home safely. What started as a search for one beloved cat has since grown into a small, fully registered, volunteer-run rescue charity. Today, Kapiti Cat

s - Found Minx helps vulnerable wild, stray and abandoned cats and kittens across the Kapiti Coast, while also protecting our local bird life through responsible cat management. Over the past 5 years we have taken in hundreds of cats and kittens who need a second chance, from tiny orphaned kittens requiring round-the-clock care to adult cats who simply need time, patience and a safe place to land. When a cat comes into our care we ensure they receive everything they need for a fresh start. This includes health checks, flea and worm treatment, microchipping, vaccinations, desexing and time in a loving foster home before finding their forever families. Behind every successful adoption is a huge amount of unseen work: mounting vet bills, food, medication, litter, transport and the everyday costs of running a rescue. Kapiti Cats receives no government funding and is 100% funded by donations from our community. Your support helps us say “yes” to the next cat or kitten who needs us. Registered Charity:
Kapiti Cats – Found Minx (CC63320)

Want to foster? Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/UVKS3ZdR75qLPeL1A
Looking to adopt? Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/dSjZwqyV7XZhsMzbA

We are a small volunteer run charity with busy family and working lives. Please be understanding that sometimes it may take a couple of days before you hear back.

From foster kitten to finding his way back home.Today, exactly one year ago a small foster kitten named Henry seen in th...
07/06/2026

From foster kitten to finding his way back home.

Today, exactly one year ago a small foster kitten named Henry seen in the first photo found his perfect family through Kapiti Cats. He was deeply loved and grew into a wonderful cat that they renamed Riku.

A couple of months ago the family made the move from Otaki to Waikanae, an exciting new chapter. But before Riku had a chance to settle in and learn his new surroundings, he slipped out. What followed was an anxious couple of months for his family. But here's where the story gets incredible.
Yesterday one of our dedicated volunteers trapped a young cat in Te Horo in an area where we've been doing regular trapping work and who should turn up in the trap? Riku!
It seems this clever, determined boy had been trying to find his way back to his old home in Otaki. He'd made it almost halfway there before being safely caught.
Thanks to the power of the microchip we were able to identify him instantly and reunite him with his overjoyed family in no time. The reunion this morning was every bit as heartwarming as you'd imagine (photo 2 and 3). What a way to mark his adoption anniversary, home where he belongs with the family who loves him!

This story is a beautiful reminder of why we always, always microchip and why we ask that when you bring a new cat or kitten home or you move house, you keep your cats safely contained indoors for at least 3–4 weeks so they can adjust to their new home before venturing outside.
Welcome home, Riku. You took the long way round, but you made it.

Riku is one of many cats we have been able to reunite with their overjoyed owner(s), with a couple having been missing for 4 years and last year (as you may remember) one that had been gone for 6 long years!
Have you updated your microchip details lately? If you've moved or changed your contact number, now's a great time to check! If you are not sure how to or where to do this watch out for tomorrow's post.

Kapiti Cats is a registered charity (CC63320) that runs entirely on volunteers and we are 100% funded by donations. If you'd like to contribute towards the work we do you can make a direct donation and/or set up a regular direct credit to our bank account: Kapiti Cats - Found Minx, 38 9027 0054392 00
or visit our Give A Little page here: https://givealittle.co.nz/org/kapiti-cats-found-minx-1
Donations in kind are also much appreciated. We can always use litter (pinepellets), kitten food (dry: Royal Canin kitten or any brand wet food), adult dry and wet food (for our managed colony), flea & worm treatment and cleaning materials such as bleach, washing powder and disinfectant.
We are so very grateful for all any and all help we receive.

06/06/2026

Before you bring your new kitten home. Part 3

Watching kittens play is endlessly entertaining and also a great reminder that everything is a toy in a kitten's eyes!
These five little mischief-makers were completely fascinated by a blind cord, but it's important to remember that items like these can pose a serious safety risk. Blind and curtain cords can become tangled around a kitten's neck, potentially causing injury or strangulation.

When bringing a new kitten home, take some time to kitten-proof their environment by checking for common household hazards such as:
Blind and curtain cords. Looping cords can pose a serious strangulation risk. Tie them up high, use cord cleats or switch to cordless blinds.
Shopping bags and tote bags. Handles can become tangled around necks or limbs Store bags away or cut the loops.
String, wool, ribbon, hair ties, elastic bands and small objects. Fun to chase but dangerous if swallowed. If swallowed these can cause life-threatening intestinal blockages. Keep sewing kits, craft supplies and hair ties sealed away.
Power cords and chargers. Tempting chew toys for inquisitive kittens.
Open washing machines, dryers, cupboards and recliner chairs. Kittens are experts at finding unexpected hiding spots and can squeeze into the tiniest spaces. Check before sitting or running appliances. You don't want to know how often one of these expert chaos creators have accidentally been locked inside the pantry. They are fast and inquisitive and have zero common sense. (just as well they all have the ability to loudly let us know they are in there)
Toxic plants. Keep well out of reach. Lilies, pothos, aloe vera and peace lilies are toxic to cats and an immediate emergency if ingested. Check every plant in your home (and outside if they will become indoor/outdoor cats eventually) and move or rehome any that pose a risk.
Medication and cleaning products. Even a licked pill can be fatal. Store all medications, cleaning products and essential oils in closed cabinets out of reach. Some essential oils are toxic to cats, diffusers included.
Open water (yes, including the toilet). Tiny kittens can drown in very little water. Lid down, always. Empty buckets too. They are brave and they are stupid and we love them.

Remember kittens are curious, fearless and remarkably talented at finding trouble in places you never thought possible! What seems harmless to us can quickly become dangerous for an adventurous little explorer. Before you bring your new kitten home spend some time kitten proofing your home. Literally get down to their level and you'd be surprised what hazards you'll encounter at 20 cm off the ground. A few minutes spent identifying and removing potential hazards can help keep your new family member safe while they learn about the world around them.

Our F-babies here are fully supervised and absolutely thriving. We do not leave them unsupervised with cords, ever. Save this post, share it with a new kitten parent and go tie up your blind cords right now.

Kapiti Cats is a registered charity (CC63320) that runs entirely on volunteers and we are 100% funded by donations. If you'd like to contribute towards the work we do you can make a direct donation and/or set up a regular direct credit to our bank account: Kapiti Cats - Found Minx, 38 9027 0054392 00
or visit our Give A Little page here: https://givealittle.co.nz/org/kapiti-cats-found-minx-1
Donations in kind are also much appreciated. We can always use litter (pinepellets), kitten food (dry: Royal Canin kitten or any brand wet food), adult dry and wet food (for our managed colony), flea & worm treatment and cleaning materials such as bleach, washing powder and disinfectant.
We are so very grateful for all any and all help we receive.

Two kittens are better than oneThinking of adopting a kitten? Here's a little secret from the cat world: two is the magi...
05/06/2026

Two kittens are better than one

Thinking of adopting a kitten? Here's a little secret from the cat world: two is the magic number. Adopting a pair can often make life easier for both you and your new furry family members. Here's why adopting a bonded pair (or two kittens at once) is the best decision you'll make:

Built-in best friend. Kittens are social creatures with endless energy and curiosity. A second kitten means your new fur baby always has a playmate and have someone to chase, wrestle, cuddle and nap with. When you're busy, they're never lonely.

They teach each other important cat skills. Kittens teach each other boundaries through play, bite inhibition, social cues and how to interact appropriately with other cats. A playmate can often teach social skills that humans simply can't. Two kittens figure it out together, naturally. This often means fewer behaviour issues as they grow.

Perfect for busy households. Working from home (or away during the day)? Two kittens entertain each other for hours so you're not their sole source of stimulation.
A lonely kitten will often look for ways to entertain itself and that may involve destructive behaviour. Two kittens are far more likely to burn off their energy together. Less guilt, less separation anxiety as they have someone to play with, sleep beside and help pass the time until their humans come home.

Happier, healthier cats. Moving to a new home can be scary. Having a familiar feline friend alongside them can help kittens settle in faster and feel more secure in their new environment. Studies show that cats in pairs are less stressed, less likely to develop behaviour problems and are more confident. A bored, lonely kitten is more prone to anxiety and destructive habits. Two together thrive.

Double the love, not double the work. Two kittens share a litter box routine, eat together and groom each other. The extra effort is minimal but the rewards are enormous. There is something incredibly special about watching a bonded pair grow up together. From kitten zoomies to adult cat cuddles, they share a friendship that lasts a lifetime.

We have beautiful kittens from ages 3 months and upwards looking for their forever homes, some are ready now, others in the next few weeks, with many ready to go as pairs. If you are not already on our waiting list, or have decided that two is indeed better than one after all, fill in the form in the link below and we will be in touch to arrange a "meet and greet".
https://forms.gle/dSjZwqyV7XZhsMzbA

While we are big advocates for adopting kittens in pairs, we also strongly encourage adopters to carefully consider the ongoing costs of pet ownership before making a commitment. Two kittens may not be twice the work, but they do come with additional expenses. These include quality food, litter, monthly flea and worm treatments, annual vaccinations, routine veterinary care and unexpected medical costs that can arise throughout their lives. Cats can live 15–20 years and every cat deserves a home that can provide for their physical and medical needs for the duration of that commitment. If your budget comfortably allows for two, the benefits of adopting a pair can be wonderful. If not, that's okay too. What's most important is that every cat is placed in a loving home that can provide the care they need for life.

Kapiti Cats is a registered charity (CC63320) that runs entirely on volunteers and we are 100% funded by donations. If you'd like to contribute towards the work we do you can make a direct donation and/or set up a regular direct credit to our bank account: Kapiti Cats - Found Minx, 38 9027 0054392 00
or visit our Give A Little page here: https://givealittle.co.nz/org/kapiti-cats-found-minx-1
Donations in kind are also much appreciated. We can always use litter (pinepellets), kitten food (dry: Royal Canin kitten or any brand wet food), adult dry and wet food (for our managed colony), flea & worm treatment and cleaning materials such as bleach, washing powder and disinfectant.
We are so very grateful for all any and all help we receive.

It is June and there is no sign that "kitten season" is slowing down, in fact, it seems to be speeding up, with new stra...
04/06/2026

It is June and there is no sign that "kitten season" is slowing down, in fact, it seems to be speeding up, with new stray cats and kittens being sighted or arriving almost every day. We have so many traps out all over Kapiti that we have run out!

Here as some of our more recent arrivals.
1st photo is big beautiful Bruce. 5kg of pure love. There is no way this handsome boy was born wild and he must have known humans in his past and was dumped or found his way to a colony we have been trapping at a lot. Unfortunately no microchip.
2nd, 3rd and 4th photos are newly arrived A's who were found on someone's deck and wandered in to a crate they'd set up, lured by the promise of food. These babies are timid but used to humans as they were being fed by workers on the farm they came from but received no other care and were just left to breed. Lots more expected from this location in the near future.
5th photo has not been named yet. This beauty comes from a rural location we have been trapping for quite some time as well. It just doesn't seem to end.
And of course with it being this late in the season there are plenty of health issues to content with, cat flu being a major one. But, with proper vet care, medication, nutrition and the odd sub cutaneous fluid injection we will nurse them back to health and continue socialising them so that they never have to experience hunger, cold and misery again.

Kapiti Cats is a registered charity (CC63320) that runs entirely on volunteers and we are 100% funded by donations. If you'd like to contribute towards the work we do you can make a direct donation and/or set up a regular direct credit to our bank account: Kapiti Cats - Found Minx, 38 9027 0054392 00
or visit our Give A Little page here: https://givealittle.co.nz/org/kapiti-cats-found-minx-1
Donations in kind are also much appreciated. We can always use litter (pinepellets), kitten food (dry: Royal Canin kitten or any brand wet food), adult dry and wet food (for our managed colony), flea & worm treatment and cleaning materials such as bleach, washing powder and disinfectant.
We are so very grateful for all any and all help we receive.

Bringing your new cat or kitten home, part 2It is important to take your time introducing your new furry family members ...
03/06/2026

Bringing your new cat or kitten home, part 2

It is important to take your time introducing your new furry family members to others in your household, both humans and other pets.

Cats & Children - Teaching Respect:
Teach children that the kitten is not a toy. Kittens are tiny, fragile creatures who can become frightened easily, so gentle hands are essential. Encourage calm, quiet interactions. Excited squeals, chasing and sudden movements can be overwhelming for a cat or kitten who is still adjusting to their new home. Show children how to gently pat the kitten and explain which areas are best for cuddles. Let the kitten decide when it wants to approach and interact.

Teach children the "petting pause" rule: let the cat initiate contact and only pet for a few seconds before pausing to see if the kitten wants more. Teach them to never wake a sleeping cat or kitten or corner it or hold it against their will. If the cat or kitten begins to struggle or shows signs of stress, let it go. Supervise all interactions, no matter how gentle your child is with other pets in the household. Even the gentlest child can accidentally hurt a kitten and a frightened kitten may scratch or bite in self-defence.

Help children engage in appropriate play using wand toys, balls and other cat toys rather than hands and feet. This helps prevent rough play habits from developing.

Most importantly, remind children that friendship takes time. Some kittens are confident and outgoing from day one, while others need a little longer to feel safe and secure. By teaching kindness, patience and respect from the beginning you're helping create a bond that can last a lifetime.

Introducing to Resident Pets- Scent Swapping:
Before a visual meeting, swap blankets, beds and toys between the new cat's safe room and the resident pet's area. This gets them used to each other's scent without the pressure of a face-to-face meeting. This must be slow and gradual over a few days to a week. You can also feed your pets on either side of the closed door so that they are aware of each other but there will be no competition over food.

The Face-to-Face Meeting - Controlled Access:
If at all possible use a baby gate or pet-proof screen door for the first visual meeting. This allows them to see each other while maintaining a safe barrier. Always end the session before either animal shows severe signs of stress (hissing, growling, flattening ears). Use treats, meals and praise to create positive associations. We want everyone to think, "When that new kitten appears, good things happen!"

Take your time. Some pets become friends within days, while others take weeks. Pushing introductions too quickly can create stress and make the process take longer overall. Remember that hissing, growling or avoiding the newcomer is often a normal part of communication. Give everyone space and don't force interactions.

Most importantly, continue giving your resident pets plenty of love and attention. Their world has just changed too! A little patience at the beginning can help build a lifetime of peaceful coexistence.

As much as it’s going to break their foster mum's heart these teenage girls need to start looking for their forever home...
03/06/2026

As much as it’s going to break their foster mum's heart these teenage girls need to start looking for their forever home/s. Blake (ginger) and Binx (tabby torti) are siblings trapped a week apart at approximately 4.5-5months old. They were living in the bush, skin and bone and very malnourished when found but quality nutrition and lots of love and care means they packed on the weight quickly.
Blake pretty quickly decided that her foster mum was ok and could be relied upon for endless love and treats. Binx took a bit more persuasion, but then also came around. Blake likes all cats, Binx only likes Blake and her foster mumma's forever cat. They are not technically a bonded pair but they get on very well and could go to a home together. They are perfectly happy to eat together, play games and share your lap. Their foster mum thinks if they went to separate homes Blake would need to join a home that has another cat and Binx would prefer to be an only cat and not have to live with a cat she didn’t know. They are both very sweet girls and love pats, are very playful and purr lots. They would both best be suited to a quiet home because they’ve only lived with one quiet human and get startled by loud random noises. They will initially be scared meeting new humans but will settle if given the time, patience and love they need to get used to their forever home. They have been a pleasure to share a bedroom with and keep their foster mumma's legs warm while she sleeps. They are both desexed, microchipped and completed their first year's vaccinations and are up to date with flea & worm treatment.

If you can give these girls a loving forever home, either together or separately and are understanding that it may take a little time to win their affections, please get in touch by filling out the form in the link below using their name(s) in the comment section and we will contact you to arrange a time to meet them.

https://forms.gle/dSjZwqyV7XZhsMzbA

Kapiti Cats is a registered charity (CC63320) that runs entirely on volunteers and we are 100% funded by donations. If you'd like to contribute towards the work we do you can make a direct donation and/or set up a regular direct credit to our bank account: Kapiti Cats - Found Minx, 38 9027 0054392 00
or visit our Give A Little page here: https://givealittle.co.nz/org/kapiti-cats-found-minx-1
Donations in kind are also much appreciated. We can always use litter (pinepellets), kitten food (dry: Royal Canin kitten or any brand wet food), adult dry and wet food (for our managed colony), flea & worm treatment and cleaning materials such as bleach, washing powder and disinfectant.
We are so very grateful for all any and all help we receive.

We feel incredibly lucky to be part of such a generous and supportive community. Sometimes people reach out to donate it...
01/06/2026

We feel incredibly lucky to be part of such a generous and supportive community. Sometimes people reach out to donate items they no longer need and those donations make a real difference to the cats and kittens in our care.

Recently a wonderful supporter gifted us this indoor catio after their own cat had outgrown it. For foster homes with limited space setups like this are absolute gold! They provide a safe, enriching environment for kittens who aren't quite ready to have free run of the house, while also helping foster carers make the most of the space they have available.

Quintin and Riot here are certainly making the most of their new "room with a view" and seem very pleased with their upgraded accommodation!

A huge thank you to everyone who supports us. Every contribution, big or small, helps us continue rescuing and caring for cats and kittens in our local community. We couldn't do it without you.

Kapiti Cats is a registered charity (CC63320) that runs entirely on volunteers and we are 100% funded by donations. If you'd like to contribute towards the work we do you can make a direct donation and/or set up a regular direct credit to our bank account: Kapiti Cats - Found Minx, 38 9027 0054392 00
or visit our Give A Little page here: https://givealittle.co.nz/org/kapiti-cats-found-minx-1
Donations in kind are also much appreciated. We can always use litter (pinepellets), kitten food (dry: Royal Canin kitten or any brand wet food), adult dry and wet food (for our managed colony), flea & worm treatment and cleaning materials such as bleach, washing powder and disinfectant.
We are so very grateful for all any and all help we receive.

So you've brought home a new cat or kitten to join your family. Now what? Below is part 1 of some guidelines that will m...
31/05/2026

So you've brought home a new cat or kitten to join your family. Now what? Below is part 1 of some guidelines that will make the transition from foster home to forever home easier for all.

The first step in a successful adoption is setting up a safe, secure "base camp" for your new Kapiti Cat. Keeping your cat in one small, dedicated room for the first few days to a week reduces stress and helps them transition more easily. A bedroom or home office is perfect. The room will need everything your kitten will need:

Litter box and litter. Place in a private area, at least 1.5 metres away from food and water. We use pellet fuel: pine pellets available in 15kg bags from Mitre10 or The Warehouse for around $14, but you can use whatever you prefer. However if using a different type we recommend mixing the new litter with what they are used to and slowly transition over. All cats and kittens that leave our care are fully litterbox trained.

Bowls: We recommend using ceramic or stainless steel bowls because plastic can harbour bacteria. Place water separate from the food.

Food & water: We feed all cats in our care age appropriate Royal Canin dry food. We can sell you a 2kg bag of the food they are on when you adopt from us. If you decide to transition your cat to a different food in the future, it must be done gradually to avoid digestive upset. Sudden changes can lead to tummy troubles like vomiting or diarrhoea. You would start with 25% of the new food mixed in with their current food and provided there are no digestive issues after a few days progress to 50/50, etc.

Comfy bed: A soft spot where your cat/kitten can sleep safe and secure. Avoid placing it in the middle of the room as this can make them feel vulnerable, especially in the first few days. Place it against a wall or in a corner.

Scratching post: This must be tall and sturdy. Something with a platform is great because a lot of cats like to be up high. It will also protect your furniture.

Open cat carrier. When you first arrive place the carrier in the room with the door of the carrier open. It will become a safe den and hiding spot for your new cat/kitten.

Obviously you will have to spend a fair bit of time in this room, interacting with your new cat/kitten, playing with them, offering treats and be guided by them when it comes to cuddles. Sit on the floor and talk quietly and let them come to you on their own terms. Some will come and investigate you immediately, others may take some time and patience to build up the confidence to do so. Don't be disheartened if they don't immediately climb in to your lap, they are just getting to know you.

It is very important that this room is safe and secure: no open windows or doors to escape out of. A new cat/kitten should NEVER be allowed outside for at least the first 3 weeks, preferable more. If for whatever reason (accidents happen) your new cat or kitten does get out it is very important that you let us know immediately. The first 24-48 hours are crucial in getting it back as it will likely be hiding nearby and by setting a trap immediately we usually get them back very quickly.

The 3-3-3 Rule: Setting Expectations
The first three months are a huge adjustment for an adopted cat. The 3-3-3 Rule is a helpful guideline to set realistic expectations for your cat's settling-in period.
Remember, every cat is an individual and some may need a little more time.
3 DAYS The decompression phase:
Your cat may be scared, overwhelmed and may hide constantly. They may refuse to eat, drink or use the litter box consistently. This is normal! They are just trying to process the massive change in environment.
3 WEEKS The adjustment phase:
Your cat is starting to feel a little safer. They are learning your routine, the house sounds and your comings and goings. They will start exploring more, coming out of hiding and their appetite and litter box habits should become consistent.
3 MONTHS The bonding phase:
Your cat now considers this their home. They feel secure, confident and their true personality and affection are showing. They are integrated into the household routine and bonded with you.

Once they are comfortable and affectionate with you, you can expand their territory and let them explore more of the home, ideally a few rooms at a time, gradually expanding the area they have access to.

We'll be back with part 2 later in the week, providing tips on how to introduce your new furry family member to other pets in the household.

(Our "poster girl" here is Feyre, she'll be looking for her own forever home, preferably together with one of her siblings in a few weeks time)

Kapiti Cats is a registered charity (CC63320) that runs entirely on volunteers and we are 100% funded by donations. If you'd like to contribute towards the work we do you can make a direct donation and/or set up a regular direct credit to our bank account: Kapiti Cats - Found Minx, 38 9027 0054392 00
or visit our Give A Little page here: https://givealittle.co.nz/org/kapiti-cats-found-minx-1
Donations in kind are also much appreciated. We can always use litter (pinepellets), kitten food (dry: Royal Canin kitten or any brand wet food), adult dry and wet food (for our managed colony), flea & worm treatment and cleaning materials such as bleach, washing powder and disinfectant.
We are so very grateful for all any and all help we receive.

29/05/2026

The F-babies have been in our care for close to 2 months now so we thought it's about time they started to earn their keep.

Introducing Freddie & Co. Proudly offering on-site document destruction services. Fast, efficient and highly entertaining. To keep our prices competitive all clean up services are left to management.

The audacity!This outstretched paw belongs to Tadow, who has a very vested interest in the foster kittens... particularl...
27/05/2026

The audacity!

This outstretched paw belongs to Tadow, who has a very vested interest in the foster kittens... particularly their food! Yes, that IS a full arm dangled through the cage bars with surgical precision aimed directly at the kitten bowl.

Most of our foster carers have cats of their own at home and quite a few are "foster fails" like Tadow here. They all handle the temporary newcomers a little differently, some are completely unbothered, some do a dramatic hiss and then get on with their day. And then there's *this one* who clearly has some strong opinions about the food on offer and has decided that kitten food is a five-star delicacy that simply must be sampled immediately.

Fostering is always a team effort, even when one team member is just here for the snacks.

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