A visit to the Hobbiton

by Andrea Wegner, Kitznkatz Europa e.V.

Dear friends of KitznKatz Europa. I would like to give you some information about the cat refuge center "Hobbiton" on Fuerteventura, as many of you donīt know where your furry companions come from. The Hobbiton is located in a little village, about 15 km from the beach.



Here you see what happens when you enter the little gate.



Cats stream in from all sides. You have to be prepared for many cuddles.



This is exactly one of these moments in which I know why I am involved in animal welfare. If somebody asked me why I am doing this, I would say: "Just look, then you know." After this cordial welcome by the cats, we can finally also greet Nicola and Werner and unpack our luggage: medication, toys, etc. are always required.

Werner is busy. Some cats have to see the vet, he has to collect donations for the flea market and also pick up a few empty kennels at the airport. This is everyday life down here. In the meantime, helping hands are busy cleaning the cages,etc. Nicola and I begin to make photographs of the many new entries, so that we can show them in the internet. You have to be very patient, as all cats want to greet us. Therefore, my photographs sometimes show a tail, sometimes a head, but finally I am able to make some proper shots. Even when the cats are all very well cared for here, they still seek a home with a loving owner. No cat should be living in a cage forever.



The kittens live in the house with Nicola and Werner, as they need special attention. The same applies for cats who are too old or those who have been tortured so badly that they completely lost confidence in people and therefore can not be adopted anymore.

When you can spare some coins, it would be nice if you could make a little donation. We want to give these cats the best possible care and visits to the vet are also quite expensive. I continue to look after the lucky cats who found a new owner and are prepared to fly out. I promise the other cats to also look for loving new homes for them. The telephone does not stop ringing. Tourists found an injured cat, another person found a cardbox full of little kittens and a German couple wants to adopt two cats.

As I said before, this is everyday life here and a day would need to be 12 hours longer to cope with all the work. Altogehter the situation for the cats on this island has significantly improved thanks to many years of animal welfare and neutering campaigns. The streets are not flooded with little hungry kittens anymore and cats who live on hotel grounds are well nourished and regularly controlled nowadays. They can be recognized by the little cut on their earlobe which shows that they have been neutered and spayed. There are many so-called "cat-cafes" and I am confident that we are on the right track. I hope you continue to support us.

On our last day, we meet Werner at the airport and check in our "furry freight". This is always handled very smoothly and today I am able to fly 6 cats out. I hope I was able to give you a little insight in the work at the Hobbiton. When ever you make it to Fuerteventura, just come along for a visit.

Andrea Wegner