Local Legend: Fiona Giles

December 2023 - Local Legend.

A true ‘Local Legend’ with a very big heart, Fiona Giles is a lover of all animals, but it is wild kittens in particular that have stolen her heart. Saving kittens since she was very young, Fiona launched Tabby’s Kitten Rescues, around five years ago to rescue wild kittens from the ‘harsh realities of the wild’, while also de-sexing feral adult cats. Fiona treks across the region to save abandoned felines and dedicates her time, and her home, to nurturing the young wildlings.

“I’ve always been passionate about cats,” says Fiona. “I truly believe wild kittens make the best pets as they develop a real bond with the people who adopt them. I love the connections being made and seeing the kittens develop into much loved pets. It is a nice journey for families to be a part of and is so rewarding. That is actually what keeps me going!”

Adopting a wilding takes much commitment and patience, which is why Fiona meets with potential adopters before choosing their forever home. “Adapting kittens to a new environment is a bit of work. People must understand that, and be patient, while the kittens adjust. Some of them have had a really tough start in life and can be very timid. Trust has to be established.”

Having recently rescued 22 kittens in Motueka along with two adult cats, Fiona says the hardest thing about what she sees, is people. “Honestly, that’s the toughest part. The negligence, abandonment and dumping of these little creatures. People need to take responsibility for their animals by getting them desexed. Dispatching them is not a solution, it is unnecessary and cruel. It doesn’t take much to be kind.” Fiona has a ‘Give a Little’ page which helps with vet and food costs. But people can help in all sorts of ways.

“Monetary donations are always appreciated, and I also have a donation box at home where people can drop off items. I have foster homes across Nelson and a few lovely people who visit the kittens to help tame them. Getting cats desexed is a huge help to prevent the continuing suffering of kittens being born into the wild, becoming diseased, pregnant, injured and often dying.”