Area shelters facing surge in cat drop offs
Posted Jun 3, 2013 12:18:23 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA – Animal shelters are always busy in the summer months with cat donations and this year is no different.
The Ottawa Humane Society says one man dropped off 20 kittens recently and more staff and volunteers had to be brought in to cope with the crisis in the cat population.
Louise Hindle, founder of Cat Rescue Network calls this time of year “kitten season” and says they can receive six kittens at once, meaning an increase in vet expenses for spaying and neutering, as well as any treatment for sick animals.
The upcoming, “moving day” on July 1st in Quebec is also making Hindle worry.
“It certainly impacts on what we do because we don’t limit where we assist the cats,” she said. CRN hopes to have more foster homes open for that and more resources so they can take in the large influx they’re expecting.
Hindle says in order to help as many cats as possible, her non-profit, volunteer run organization works with other humane societies and shelters in the area. CRN is known for taking in cats that require special needs such as skittish cats or ones with medical issues.
Some shelters in the Ottawa Valley are already feeling the strain like Big Sky Ranch Animal Sanctuary in Kemptville who currently can’t take in anymore cats.
For cats that can’t find homes CRN says they also run a service where they promote strays being looked after by members of the public. Once someone decides to adopt a cat from this list, CRN pays for vet services.
Many cats and kittens are available for adoption in the Ottawa region. These websites have pictures of cats available for adoption or you can make donations or become a foster home.
Ottawa Humane Society Cat Page
Arnprior & District Humane Society
Big Sky Ranch Animal Sanctuary Cat Page
Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry OSPCA
