Feeding of strays leads to surrender of more than 20 cats to BC SPCA

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By BC SPCA

The BC SPCA Kamloops animal centre is currently caring for four adult cats and four kittens and is preparing for 15 to 25 more cats to be surrendered over the coming weeks from the same property.

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“This happens all too often when a kind person feeds a stray cat. In this case the finders began feeding stray cats in their community during the pandemic and in no time at all the number of cats in their home more than doubled. They became overwhelmed and reached out to us,” says Daria Evans, manager of the BC SPCA’s Kamloops animal centre. “We are currently in the process of bringing all the cats into our care.”

The first group prioritized for intake into the centre was made up of a female cat, her four kittens and five adults. Sadly, two of the adult cats needed to be euthanized. “The kittens tested positive for coccidia and one of the adult cats tested positive for giardia, so all the cats immediately went into quarantine and were treated,” says Evans. “It is likely that all of the cats in this home will require treatment, so we need to prepare for that.”

Coccidia and giardia are parasitic infections of the intestinal tract and are typically treated with oral medications and intravenous fluids if required. Although quite common and very treatable, it is contagious.

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Once these cats clear quarantine, they will be placed with a BC SPCA foster or, if they are ready, made available for adoption. “Our goal is to bring all these babies into our care and treat them as soon as possible,” says Evans.

“The kittens are very playful and sweet,” says Evans. “They were a little grumpy when we gave them their coccidia baths, but that is to be expected. They now seem to be much happier and content.”

“The adults appear to be a combination of indoor and outdoor cats,” says Evans. “We have been pleasantly surprised at how comfortable they have been around us, but we are conscious some may not have had as much human socialization as others. They are very affectionate and love it when staff comes around to feed and care for them.”

Evans adds this is a good reminder about the importance of reaching out if there are stray cats in your area. “People should not hesitate to reach out for help, and the earlier the better,” she says. “It is amazing how quickly a cat population can explode,” she says.

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The cats and kittens currently in care will be available for adoption in approximately one to two weeks.

To mark Giving Tuesday, an anonymous animal-lover and the Eldon & Anne Foote Fund at Edmonton Community Foundation have offered to match all caring donations to help these cats and other animals, up to $100,000.

Please consider helping these cats, kittens and other animals in need at the BC SPCA by making a donation here: spca.bc.ca/donations-animal-emergency/.