There is something primal and inherently enigmatic about the cat. They have shadowed the steps of humankind for millennia and their complex blend of instinct, reflex and sheer physical affection has made them simultaneously an obsession and a scourge for their, some would argue inferior, two-legged counterparts.

Since 1974 the Hobart Cat Centre has embraced the feline in all its incarnations - companion, treasured friend, unwanted intrusion and lethal force - and regardless of how and why they come to us, we accept them, care for them and treat them with the humanity and kindness which should be afforded any living creature. We are an apolitical, not-for-profit operating as a safe haven for those animals who need our help. Prior to 2004, the organisation was known as the Tasmanian Animal Protection Society, but underwent a namechange to reflect the primary focus of the group.

It has always been our mission to ensure that these philosophies are extended to cats throughout the community and those communities deal responsibly with cats irrespective of their status. Education will guarantee desexing and microchipping become the norm rather than the exception. This combined with a new mindset where all cats, regardless of age, are potential family members will help reduce unwanted pets in our society and address the pet overpopulation issue. To achieve this goal all cats adopted from us are desexed, vaccinated, microchipped and temperament tested to ensure we find the perfect match for every feline and family. We also accept surrenders and rehome as many of these as possible.

Our new premises have allowed us not only to carry on the vision of founders Florence Robson and Joan Allport (Tasmanian Animal Protection Society President 1949 to 1979) but expand to our core business and messages to include a dedicated community education programme, individual and communal boarding and a retail point.

As we receive no formal Government funding, these last three, in addition to our op shops, form the basis of our income generation, essential in ensuring we keep our doors open. Our first op-shop opened in the Blackmans Bay Shopping Centre in 1996 driven by our much loved then-President Mona Foster and Treasurer Alan Cunningham. The Blackmans Bay op-shop has since re-located to 1717 Channel Highway, Margate. In 2002 The Black Cat Op Shop began operation in Glenorchy and although this shop is currently closed, we are committed to our loyal customers and op shoppers and will reopen as soon as we have found new premises. Both shops have proven to be successful and a vital form of fundraising for the Centre. The shops sell everything from clothing to books, furniture and bric-a-brac.

The key to any and all of our activities is a connection and engagement with the community which through generous donations and bequests, membership and sponsorship provides a solid financial base for our valuable work. Membership in particular allows individuals to have a voice in centre operations and thus the wider sphere of cat welfare. As a way of saying thank you, all donations over $2 are tax deductible.

As we move through our fourth decade of operation, it is heartening to note that our support base is growing, that more emphasis is being placed on understanding rather than vilifying cats and that the community as a whole is working together to improve the lives of animals in general across the State. Thank you for your interest in our feline friends and for taking the time to get to know your Hobart Cat Centre.

Since its inception, the Cat Centre has had well over 100,000 cats and kittens pass through its doors.