CAT-ASTROPHIC NUMBERS
The Saskatoon SPCA is appealing to the public as the shelter is at capacity with cats and kittens. The SPCA is hosting an adoption drive, called CATada 150.
The Saskatoon Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is asking the public to open up their homes — and their hearts — as the organization is at capacity for cats and kittens.
With 130 cats currently in shelter and nearly 50 more kittens in foster homes, the SPCA is hosting an adoption drive, called “CATada 150,” where kittens will be available for adoption at a reduced rate — $150 as opposed to $190 — with cats over six months old available for adoption by donation.
The organization’s executive director, Patricia Cameron, said the high number of animals has kept her staff extremely busy.
“There’s a lot of care that needs to go into having 130 cats in the shelter,” she said, noting the event hopes to draw on the compassionate characteristics of Canadians.
Cameron said the SPCA has been dealing with a growing number of felines, which can reproduce at the same rate as rabbits, in recent years. Between 2015 and 2016 the number of cats taken in by the shelter jumped by 20 per cent and the number of kittens went up 49 per cent.
“We’re expecting another jump this year,” she said.
Because the shelter is at capacity, the SPCA has temporarily suspended intake of cats surrendered by their owners. Cameron said she’s confident Saskatoon residents will come out in full force and help the organization reach its goal of getting 150 cats adopted by July 31. So far 62 of the 150 have already found their “forever homes.”
Cameron said pet owners across the city have a role to play in keeping cat populations in check, noting it’s a bylaw infraction to have an animal roaming at large, which leaves them open to predation, illness and unwanted reproduction. She said cats deserve a full set of vaccines, regular vet attention and to be spayed or neutered.
“Nationally, there’s no need to breed cats because there’s thousands and thousands … of homeless cats that could make wonderful pets,” she said.
All cat adoptions include vaccinations, deworming, spay or neuter surgery, four weeks of free pet insurance and a free wellness exam, incentives worth roughly $400 for each cat.