As we continue construction works and upgrades at the Cat Centre, we’re already seeing the impact of all the hard work, and we’re excited to share one of the latest improvements with you.
Our hospital area has had a much-needed extension, creating more space and benefitting both the cats and kittens in our care, and the wonderful team that look after them.
To make these changes work, there’s been some reshuffling. A bit like a fun (and definitely not headache-inducing) game of Tetris. It’s all worth it though, because it’s all for the cats.
We now have better spaces for cats overall. Kittens have been moved out of the main hospital area and into their own peaceful room. This adjustment has improved the efficiency of the hospital, reduced noise and movement, and created a smoother, calmer environment for cats in our care.
One part we’re particularly proud of is the new, larger isolation room specifically for cats that have ringworm.
Despite the name, ringworm has nothing to do with worms. It’s actually a highly contagious fungal condition, which shows up as skin lesions that look like red or grey crustiness on the skin. Treating ringworm is a commitment. Daily medications, twice-weekly baths, frequent washing of bedding and blankets, and at least six weeks of healing time. Because it spreads so easily, cats with ringworm must be isolated which is why this purpose-built room makes a huge difference.
The new ringworm room is fully enclosed to minimise any risk of cross-contamination. Soon, we’ll be adding a sink and microwave for warming heat discs. The goal is to have everything our team needs in one space, so they can care for cats with ringworm without the need to constantly de-gown and sanitise.
This new space has over doubled in size compared to our old ringworm area, which means we can provide more enrichment for the cats and kittens who require long term care. The next step in this project is to purpose build more spacious accommodation for these long term patients.
We still rely on foster carers, and we’re always looking for more. You don’t have to foster all the time, you just let us know what works for you. Even caring for a cat or kitten for a short period of time makes a real difference. Our foster carers talk of the joy and reward they find in caring for a cat and seeing them find their own forever home.
This new isolation extension is just the first stage of a larger plan. These improvements have been on our wishlist for a long time, but we need the funding to make it happen. Thanks to a generous donation from our great friend the late Tony Ptak, we were able to make this happen. Every donation, big or small, is important. But it’s larger donations like this that help us make lasting change.
A special thank you goes to Andrew Lyden’s wonderful building team, who helped make it happen. In just about a week, they removed a wall, repainted, and more. There’s still some plumbing to finish, but the space is functional.
Thank you to everyone who has supported this project, whether you’re a donor, builder, or team member. Together, we’re creating better outcomes for cats and the people who care for them.
To make a donation to help us continue our vital work please visit tenlives.com.au/donate
Can’t donate? Here’s how else you can help…
Open your heart and home to become a foster carer.
Bring your skills to Ten Lives and become a volunteer.
Check out our current cats and kittens awaiting adoption.
Country Chic Care
You might think we’re dressed for a hoedown or heading out to feed the cows, but there’s a good reason you’ll spot us in flannel in the Nursery, Hospital, and Vet Consult areas!
What looks like casual country style is actually PPE for caring for neonate kittens. The soft, brushed fabric gives tiny paws something to grp and knead, while helping hold warmth against the body, which is crucial for kittens that can’t yet regulate their own temperature.
While we practice full barrier nursing and use professional PPE such as surgical gowns, flannel shirts make a practical and comfortable alternative for non-sterile work. Dedicated “kitten clothes” also mean we can change between litters to reduce cross-contamination, just like swapping a gown or smock, but far more comfortable during long feeding shifts.
Flannel shirts tick all the boxes for warmth, traction, hygiene, and calm handling, small details that make a big difference for the most vulnerable kittens in our care.
And beyond the kitten benefits, this simple switch saves money and reduces environmental waste by replacing single-use PPE with washable, reusable clothing.
These stories were featured in the Summer 2025 edition of the Scratching Post, which you can read here.
