Paws N Claws

A home for all cats. We rescue, desex and rehome Rarotonga's stray and unwanted cats and kittens, so one day we won't be needed.

Visit for cuddles Adopt a cat Help the cats
  • 38cats and kittens on opening day, 1 Aug 2022
  • 200+kittens rehomed in 2023
  • 85%of Rarotonga's cats desexed: our goal

Our story

In 2018 the Cook Islands SPCA asked Shannon Paul to look after one orphaned kitten. One kitten became many, and for years she cared for stray cats from home and paid for their food herself.

In August 2022 that care became Paws N Claws, Rarotonga's first and only dedicated cat sanctuary, in Matavera. It was set up to provide a home and food for unwanted, stray and abandoned cats, and to care for kittens, including a de-sexing programme to reduce the number of strays.

Every cat is checked by a vet, desexed and cared for until it finds a home.

Dozens of cats eating together on mats on the grass outside the sanctuary

Come say hello

Cuddles and Hugs: meet the cats and kittens. Entry is free and donations are welcome.

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Sunday, 11:30am – 2:30pm

Find us in Matavera, Rarotonga. Parking is limited, so come early. Travelling? Light items like flea drops, worming tablets and toys are always welcome. Questions? Call +682 58 469.

A crowd of cats and kittens on the blue floor inside the sanctuary

Cat boarding

Going away? Your cat can stay with us, short term or long term.

A home away from home

Your cat gets a safe, comfy space of its own and regular meals, looked after by people who love cats.

Holiday without the worry

Enjoy your trip without the stress, knowing your cat is safe and cared for until you're back.

To book a stay, email us or call +682 58 469.

A ginger and white cat stretched out in a woven basket

Adopt a friend

Cats and kittens are available throughout the year. Ours are desexed and dewormed, and they're ready to be spoiled.

Our cats find homes quickly, so the best way to meet them is to come in for a visit. You'll meet kittens and grown-up cats alike, all hoping for a family of their own. To ask about adopting, email us or call +682 58 469.

Can't keep your cat? Please don't let it go. Contact us first and we'll help.

A black and white kitten with a pink nose standing on the grass
A grown-up tabby cat with green eyes walking towards the camera
Four kittens piled into a soft cat bed
Kittens playing in and around cardboard boxes

Life at the sanctuary

Naps, sunshine and lots of friends. Here's a peek at a normal day.

A ginger cat and a tortoiseshell cat cuddled up asleep
Two ginger cats lying in the sun on a garden bench
A tabby kitten peeking out of a blue hanging pod
A tabby and white cat sitting on top of a satellite dish against a blue sky
Two ginger and white cats asleep in a round grey bed
A tiny kitten curled up inside a shoe
A black and white kitten next to a ginger kitten on the grass
A ginger cat resting its paws on a wooden rail

Help the cats

Donations are gratefully received. Here's how you can help.

Donate by bank transfer

From New Zealand

Bank
ANZ New Zealand
Account name
Paws N Claws NZ
Account #
06-0443-0732071-00

In the Cook Islands

Bank
Bank of the Cook Islands (BCI)
Account name
Paws N Claws Inc.
Account #
90895 S15
BSB
05-1501
SWIFT
BCKICKCR

Prefer to post something? P.O. Box 582, Cook Islands.

Support a special resident

Some of our cats have disabilities and live here for good. Your donation pays for their food and vet care for life.

Bring supplies

Flea and worm treatment, kitten milk powder, baby wipes and cat biscuits are always needed.

Tell us you're coming

Volunteer

Help at the sanctuary, on the market stall, or spread the word online.

Get in touch

Desex your cat

Watch for the free desexing days we run with Te Are Manu Vet Clinic.

See the next date on Facebook

Making a difference

Rarotonga's stray cat population is believed to be falling since the desexing programme began.

98 to 36

Cats and kittens in care at the first Christmas (2022), compared with August 2024.

9 weeks

In 2024 the sanctuary went nine weeks without a single new kitten being brought in. That's a sign the desexing programme is working: fewer stray kittens are being born.

Learning centre

Opened in August 2024 with NZ High Commission funding, to teach children and adults about cats.

In the news

Get in touch

We'd love to hear from you.

Phone+682 58 469
Email
FacebookPaws N Claws Cat Sanctuary Rarotonga
Find usMatavera, Rarotonga, Cook Islands