BC SPCA overwhelmed by surrender of more than 200 cats and kittens

BC SPCA is scrambling to deal with more than 200 cats and kittens from a single property in a northern BC Interior community.

The cats and kittens are on a property in Houston and officials with BC SPCA are trying to figure out the scope of the situation after getting a request from the owner for help, according to a media release issued today, March 22.

“What we understand right now from the owner is that people started dumping stray cats in his yard several years ago, but he has since become completely overwhelmed by the sheer number of them, especially considering most of the kittens and their moms are living inside the home," Eileen Drever with the SPCA said in the release.

The huge intake of animals will stretch the SPCA's resources.

“There is so much coordination and resource allocation that goes into caring for a number of cats this significant, especially given that many of them are very young kittens,” Drever said.

“The last time I remember us involved in a single intake of kittens this large was back in the late 1990s.”

The BC SPCA is seeking donations from the public as they prepare to welcome 200 cats and kittens into their care.

SPCA staff have provided the owner with food, litter and other supplies as they get ready to take them in. The animals were in good care, relative to the situation.

The property was visited by the BC SPCA to bring food, litter and other supplies to support the animals' needs as they prepare to take them in.

During their visit, they found that the animals were in good care relative to the situation.

“Without a quick intervention the chance of their welfare suffering is very high. The cats mostly appear to be in good shape and seem quite social.”

While the cats appear to be healthy, veterinary care such as health assessments, vaccinations, spay or neuter surgeries and medical treatment as required will be needed, SPCA said. This cost is added to the transportation costs, supplies and staffing needs which this intake will require.

The society is asking for donations.

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