Skip to content
All articles

A great morning with furry friends at Epsom Village

There's a famous quote from Ernest Hemingway that says: 'One cat just leads to another.' This is how the scene unfolded last week at Epsom Village with the visit of Lonely Miaow, where the charming presence of cats and kittens created an atmosphere of joy and warmth.

The charity brought approximately 12 cats and kittens to the village as part of their fundraising efforts to support the care of stray and abandoned felines. Since its establishment in 1990, Lonely Miaow has rescued approx 21,000 cats, with just under 200 cats in their care right now in different foster homes all over Auckland.

The non-profit organisation has three main missions: educating about the necessity of spaying female kittens, rehoming as many felines as possible, and aiding community members in reducing the population of stray cats. The cats and kittens brought to Epsom Village came from foster families, so they were accustomed to human contact. The majority were friendly and eagerly interacted with our residents, with some seeking cuddles and a warm lap for a nap.

One of the most popular kittens was a ginger cat named Prince, who spent most of the morning playing with various residents, hiding under chairs, and capturing everyone's hearts. One of his favorite pastimes was when he discovered the curtain-like skirt of one of our staff members and thoroughly enjoyed playing with it.

Some of the cats had been recently found, including Jilly, a 6-month old kitty found in one of the managed cat colonies in Auckland. Despite not having had much human contact, she proved to truly enjoy the company of our residents. She spent a good half an hour nestled in the warm merino jumper lap of one of our residents. Lonely Miaow is confident that Jilly is nearing readiness for adoption, given her evident comfort in the presence of humans.

At Real Living, we aim to offer a wide range of activities on our events calendar to suit every resident's preferences. Nonetheless, the visit from these cats and kittens emerged as one of the standout events of the year, capturing widespread popularity. It was not only a great experience for the residents but also contributed to the charity by raising more than $200. 

If you’d like to know more about joining our community contact Lyn on 021 845 524 or email Lyn.Ellis@realliving.co.nz

Latest articles

All News
Honouring those who served
News
News
25 April 2026

Honouring those who served

Real Living Villages are closely connected to the communities around them, which is why ANZAC Day holds such special meaning for us. Our villages not only honour the day internally with residents, but we also take pride in participating alongside the wider community whenever possible. Today we had the privilege of standing alongside the Mount Wellington–Panmure RSA for their ANZAC Day commemorations.
Read more
A Location That Has It All
Warkworth Oaks
News
Warkworth Oaks
News
24 April 2026

A Location That Has It All

When we say we’re in the middle of the action, we really mean it! Warkworth Oaks’ contemporary retirement apartments are perfectly positioned in the heart of Warkworth township — beside the iconic Warkworth Hotel and just a short stroll to cafés, shops, supermarkets, banks, and health services. With the new motorway connection bringing Auckland closer than ever, secure underground parking, and the Mahurangi River and beautiful regional beaches nearby, it’s a location that’s hard to beat.
Read more
Oh, what a week!
Remuera Gardens
News
Remuera Gardens
News
05 April 2026

Oh, what a week!

Remuera Gardens was buzzing with energy during our recent Give It a Go Week, where residents and guests enjoyed a range of activities showcasing the vibrant lifestyle our village offers. From outdoor games in the autumn sunshine to Chair Pilates, Chair Yoga and aqua aerobics, there was something for everyone to try. Visitors also toured the new Avenue Apartments, explored our beautiful gardens, and enjoyed barista coffee and yummy treats at the Little Nook café.
Read more