SPCA over capacity for feline friends
The Medicine Hat SPCA is at maximum capacity for cats, and is asking Hatters not to bring anymore down for the time being.
“We are actually at the point where we are asking people to leave their information if they are needing to relinquish a cat, and actually not bring them into the shelter until we call to tell them we have space available,” says executive director Katie Ayres.
Ayres says her organization will only take cats in the case of immediate need until some space clears at its compound.
“Every year starting in the spring all the way to the fall we have what we refer to as kitten season,” explains Ayres. “We see an influx of kittens surrendered but, in general, we have also seen a larger influx of adult cats surrendered this year. What has happened at this point is our overflow cages, which we usually never use, are also now full.”
Ayres says a lot of adult cats brought in have urinary tract infections, which has led to uncontrolled peeing outside litter boxes, something easily treatable with medicine. Ayres recommends anyone experiencing this frustration take their cats into a veterinarian. Other recommendations for dealing with behavioural issues in adult cats can be found on the SPCA’s website.
Ayres reminds Hatters adopting a pet is a lifetime commitment for the pet’s lifespan, and to be patient in dealing with problems. Ayres also says, for anyone thinking to adopt either a kitten or cat, now is the right time to come down to the SPCA as there is lots of variety on offer.