We believe all cats should have the chance at a safe, healthy, and happy life.
Our Mission
At Cats Advocacy Team of Manitoba Inc., our mission is to champion the welfare of cats and kittens throughout Manitoba. We are dedicated to advocating for their rights and well-being, ensuring they lead safe and healthy lives. A key part of our mission is educating the public on responsible cat stewardship, helping individuals make informed decisions about cat care, including spay and neutering to reduce overpopulation. Our commitment extends to supporting existing cat rescue organizations through fundraising and resource mobilization, thereby amplifying our collective impact on feline welfare. We strive to create a community that is educated, compassionate, and proactive in the care of cats, fostering an environment where every cat is valued and cared for. Our vision is a Manitoba where the bonds between humans and cats are strengthened, and every cat experiences the dignity and quality of life they deserve.
Our Mandate
Advocacy for Feline Welfare
The Cats Advocacy Team of Manitoba Inc. is committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of cats and kittens across Manitoba. We strive to ensure they lead safe and healthy lives, free from harm and neglect.
Education and Community Building
The Cats Advocacy Team of Manitoba Inc. endeavors to create a community that is educated, compassionate, and proactive in the care of cats. We provide resources, information, and support to empower individuals and organizations to make informed decisions and take action for the betterment of feline welfare.
Support for Cat Rescue Organizations
We support existing cat rescue organizations by actively engaging in fundraising and resource mobilization efforts. Through collaboration and solidarity, we aim to amplify our collective impact on feline welfare, working towards a common goal of rescuing and caring for cats in need and reducing cat overpopulation.
Research and Data Collection
We are committed to conducting research and collecting data on the state of feline care in Manitoba. By gathering information and insights, we seek to identify areas for improvement and implement evidence-based strategies to enhance the well-being of cats across the region.
Meet the Team
Meet the very dedicated folks behind the Cats Advocacy Team of Manitoba! At Cats Manitoba, we're proud to be a diverse and inclusive organization. Our board reflects this commitment, being half queer-run and half women-led. We know that this diversity makes our board stronger, fostering creativity, empathy, and effective advocacy for cats in Manitoba. Our diverse board leads to better decision-making and fosters a more supportive environment, enabling us to work effectively with people from all walks of life. By supporting us, you are championing a team dedicated to building a community where every cat, and every person, is valued.
Board Chair
Amanda Heslop
Amanda has always been a cat lover, growing up with feline friends as part of her family. She deeply values friendship, community, and the incredible companionship that pets bring to our lives. Treating all animals as if they were family, Amanda's camera feed is 80% cat pictures! When she’s not working or advocating for cats, you can find Amanda at trivia nights, concerts at Canada Life Centre, or playing games with friends. With a Law Degree from the University of Manitoba, Amanda is well positioned to be our Board Chair. Amanda ensures Cats Manitoba stays on track and fulfills its mandate to help cats, educate the community about cats, and support cat rescues across the province! Her favourite TV shows include Gilmore Girls, Tour of Duty, and LOST, she has many favourite books, but loves classics like Little Women and Pride and Prejudice, and she adores musicals!
Vice Chair / Executive Director
Christopher Guenther
Christopher has been a cat enthusiast from day one, whether carrying kittens around in a bucket as a toddler on the family farm or becoming a foster fail for two lucky cats. Now, as founder of Cats Manitoba, Christopher is dedicated to giving every cat the chance for a happy, healthy life. He believes in giving back to the generous cat rescue community across the province. When he's not working, you’ll find Christopher enjoying time with his husband and three cats, savouring a quality cup of coffee, or a craft beer in the evening. His favourite TV shows include Seinfeld, The Simpsons, and LOST, his favourite books are A Complicated Kindness, The Dark Tower Series, and the MaddAddam trilogy. Favourite movies? The LOTR trilogy, The African Queen, and Akira.
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Treasurer
Daniel Guenther
Daniel is a proud cat parent who loves the quirky charms of his feline friends. For him, the perfect start to any day includes a good cup of coffee and a cat snuggle. As Treasurer, Daniel keeps our finances on track, ensuring that every whisker is accounted for. He holds a business degree from the University of Winnipeg and is finishing his Master's in Architecture at the University of Manitoba. Daniel contributes to financial reporting and planning, helping create effective fundraising strategies. When not working on finances, he loves volunteering at Cats Manitoba events, connecting with the cat community, and celebrating the joy that cats bring to our lives. His favourite TV shows include The Office, King of the Hill, and Bob's Burgers, while his favourite books include The Great Gatsby and a range of non-fiction. His top movies are Dune Part I and II, and Nomadland.
Secretary
Theresa Aryee
​Theresa is passionate about her pets: her dog, Atom and her cat, Evie. Theresa’s travels always lead her to new feline friends—a cat café is a must in any city she visits! When she's not supporting Cats Manitoba, you'll find her playing Pokemon Go, trying new foods, or cozying up with Atom and Evie to watch TV. As Secretary, Theresa keeps Cats Manitoba organized! She ensures all our board meetings are professional and that everyone has the chance to do their part! She doesn’t really have favourites but one thing’s for sure: she’s always up for an adventure.
About
About the Founder
Hello! My name is Christopher Guenther, and I am the founder and Executive Director of Cats Manitoba. My lifelong love for cats began on the farm, where they were both beloved companions and important members of our family. Over the years, this bond has deepened, leading me to dedicate myself to feline welfare. My work with rescue organizations, fostering cats, and fundraising for animal groups has been both rewarding and eye-opening, revealing the immense need for a dedicated voice for cats in Manitoba.
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While many incredible groups and volunteers are working to improve the lives of cats, there’s a gap—a need for a unified voice to advocate on behalf of both these organizations and the cats they serve. Cats Manitoba was created to fill that role. We don’t seek to unify these groups under one umbrella, but rather to amplify their work by focusing on education, supporting rescue efforts, and increasing public awareness about responsible cat guardianship.
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Cats are often misunderstood and overlooked, and they need strong advocates to ensure they receive the care, protection, and respect they deserve. Through education, support, and community outreach, we strive to create a world where every cat is safe, valued, and understood.
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I invite you to join us in this mission. Whether you’re a fellow cat lover, passionate about animal welfare, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, your support is essential. Together, we can improve the lives of countless cats across Manitoba and ensure they live happy, healthy lives.