Jayden Johnston is not like most teenagers.
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The 17-year-old Sans Souci resident doesn’t spend his money on going out or fast food; instead using his pay cheque to rehome rescue cats.
Growing up his home was always filled with animals; many were rescues that his vet nurse mum couldn’t bare to put down.
‘’I always had a connection with animals,’’ he said. ‘’Growing up we always had dogs and cats around and now I’m old enough I’m starting to take it on.’’
Over the years the family has helped rehome hundreds of cats from kill shelters; many of which would have no other chance to survive.
They take the cats home to rehabilitate them, get them treated, desexed, vaccinated and microchipped before they are ready to be sold.
Jayden pays for nearly everything out of his own pocket using money he earns from working at Petbarn and his own entertainment business.
The cats he brings in are often very sick with each costing around $310 to desex and vaccinate as well as getting a full vet check.
That doesn’t include the cost of housing the cats before they are adopted or fostered.
He shrugs off suggestions that it’s a special way of using his money.
‘’I always say that nothing makes you feel richer than looking into a cat’s face knowing you saved a life,’’ he said.
He said pounds and shelters are particularly busy in the warmer months between September and March.
He said some council pounds kill a large portion of cats brought in.
At the moment he has five cats in his home but it has reached as high as 14 before.
He said almost anyone can help.
‘’Adopting really is the best, so if you’re in the position now is the time,’’ he said.
‘’If you can’t adopt then foster. We always need more foster carers.
‘’For some people it might not be possible so you can always sponsor a cat or donate to food costs.’’
Anyone interested in helping can contact Jayden here.