It may be the dog days of summer, but it’s cats and kittens that are urgently needing homes, according to the BC SPCA.

“This is always a busy time for our shelters, but this summer we are especially overwhelmed with incoming cats and kittens,” said Lorie Chortyk, spokesperson for the BC SPCA. “In addition to the usual ‘kitten season,’ where hundreds of abandoned and unwanted kittens are brought into our care, we have responded to a record number of cruelty investigations involving large intakes of cats and kittens.”

Chortyk notes that when cats come in from neglectful situations, they often require extensive behaviour modification and care before they are ready for adoption. “This means these animals are in our care much longer and we are challenged to find space in our facilities and foster homes for other cats coming in.”

The BC SPCA is currently caring for 1,283 homeless felines (485 adults cats and 798 kittens) across B.C. Last year the BC SPCA adopted 9,649 cats and kittens into new loving homes.

“Many of our shelters are at capacity throughout the province and face overwhelming pressure to take in more animals in need,” said Chortyk. “If anyone is considering bringing a cat or kitten into their home, we urge them to please visit their local BC SPCA branch or view our adoptable animals online at spca.bc.ca/adopt.

The BC SPCA also reminds pet owners to spay and neuter their pets to help stop the tragedy of pet overpopulation.

Learn more about the BC SPCA East Kootenay Branch

Lead image courtesy BC SPCA

BC SPCA

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