Heathcote Valley Online

Any family heading away this Easter needs to decide what to do with their pets. I was asked recently if I knew of anywhere local to look after a cat and I had to say no.

Well, on a walk to the dairy along Port Hills Road recently, I discovered Heathcote does have its own home for cats. I decided to call in and find out what Easter would be like for the residents and whether they would be having any Easter bunny for their dinner!

I found the new owner of Bluecrest Boarding Cattery, Kevin O'Byrne, was willing to show me around. My first thought was how peaceful it was, even with a dozen cats in residence. Kevin said it wouldn't be that way for long with most of the 21 spaces due to be filled that day for Easter. I started thinking about a strong pair of gloves, but Kevin assured me that the new arrivals would soon feel at home. Looking at a beautiful sleeping cat, I found that easy to believe.

I asked if the children would find it hard leaving their pets over the holiday. Kevin said that tears could be a possibility and that a phone call was likely to ask about their friend. I wondered if a taste of rabbit for Easter might be good for the cats, but Kevin told me that beef or veal was the choice for the day. The Easter bunny was most definitely not on the menu!