Influx of cats at Ottawa Humane Society looking for their fur-ever home
Posted May 12, 2024 11:11:42 AM.
Last Updated May 13, 2024 11:53:42 AM.
The Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) wants you to know that if you’re thinking about adopting a cat, consider welcoming one of the many strays that were dropped off at the centre last week.
“There are huge benefits to adopting from the Humane Society […], you get to know a little bit about the animal’s personality,” Stephen Smith, OHS’s senior manager of marketing and communications, said. “You get to know what they like, what they don’t like, how they behave in certain homes, if they’re a good fit for other pets so you can really find that pet who best fits your lifestyle.”
Smith says on Thursday, 25 cats, 18 which were kittens, were dropped off at the centre. Most of them were found outdoors and brought in by the public.
“The cats are doing great right now, obviously we have a whole lot of them in our care and each day we’re working to take care of them and provide their daily needs,” says Smith.
Smith says they have somewhere between 300 and 400 animals, a mix of cats, dogs and rabbits, in their care.
Among the new arrivals, the OHS brought in a mother cat, Blair, and her six newborn kittens who are all going to be looking for a new home soon. Smith says they’ll still need a few weeks before they can be adopted.
Five other kittens between the ages of three and six months are suffering from upper respiratory infections, commonly known as “cat colds.”
Smith says they all need to get over that illness before being spayed or neutered prior to adoption, putting more strain on the OHS’s resources.
OHS getting ready for ‘kitten season’
“Spring and summer are some of the busiest seasons at the OHS,” said Dr. Shelley Hutchings, OHS Chief Veterinarian. “The warmer weather signals to cats that it’s time to breed and this leads to an influx of kittens and mother cats in our care.”
Smith says thousands could come through the centre during that period.
“We admit thousands of cats each year, and we don’t turn away any animal in distress — no matter how many. Our goal is to provide these kittens the care they need and to find a new home for them as soon as possible.”
Sharon Miko, OHS President & CEO.
For anyone thinking about adopting the newcomers, or any other animal at the OHS, Smith says all their animals are spayed or neutered, have temperament checks, health checks, vaccines and are microchipped before finding a new home.
“From a financial perspective there’s simply not a better deal around for finding your new best friend,” he says.
Cats who are 7 years or older are also free for adoption.
Cats suffering from “cat colds” looking to be adopted once they’re better. (OHS)
“If folks aren’t in a position to adopt, then they can also consider volunteering for the Humane Society,” Smith says. “We need the support of our lovely volunteers to provide care to the animals.”
A donation to the OHS supports the daily care and sterilization surgery that each kitten needs.
The OHS strongly encourages cat owners to keep their cats indoors unless on a leash and harness or in the safety of an enclosed ‘catio’. They also encourage owners to spay or neuter their pets. Both steps help reduce cat overpopulation and keep them safe.
