A tiny kitten with a badly injured eye sparked a rescue mission that has helped hundreds of abandoned and unwanted cats across North Canterbury.

Cat Care is celebrating its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming cats and kittens in need.

The volunteer organisation began in 2006 when Betty Jones, who had little experience in cat rescue, contacted Christine Walker for help with an injured kitten. The pair joined forces with Georgie Garwood, and with limited resources but a shared determination, the three began taking in animals.

“We didn’t have a committee or anything like that. We were just three people doing it,” Jones said.

The operation quickly grew, with fundraising barbecues, market stalls and supermarket collections covering veterinary and rescue costs.

Jones eventually turned much of her home into an unofficial rescue centre. Bedrooms became office space and held cat crates, a cattery went into the backyard and the garage housed cats and kittens.

Asked how many animals had passed through her home, she did not hesitate.

“Hundreds. It’s got to be hundreds.”

Cat Care is still run entirely by volunteers, with 25 foster families providing temporary homes. During the 2025/26 year alone, it responded to 656 cats and kittens needing help.

“We’re still here because of the incredible people who give their time and support us in so many ways. Rescue isn’t always easy, but seeing cats and kittens get the care and second chances they deserve makes it all worthwhile,” chair Rachel Foster said.

One family adopted two brothers, Timmy and Tommy, from the charity 18 years ago. Both cats have since died after spending their whole lives in a loving home.

Demand for the service has not eased. Unwanted litters, abandoned animals and financial hardship remain major challenges.

Jones hopes a generous bequest might one day allow Cat Care to set up a desexing programme to reduce the number of unwanted cats.

After two decades, she said the greatest reward was simply “knowing that you’ve done good in the community.”

Anyone wanting to support Cat Care through donations, supplies or volunteering can visit www.catcare.org.nz.