Intake of more than 200 cats and kittens will ‘drain’ BC SPCA resources

An “unparalleled” intake of more than 200 cats and kittens from a single property is expected to drain resources for the BC SPCA, the organization says.

Their staff are preparing to take more than 200 cats and kittens into its care from a single home in Houston, BC.

The BC SPCA is considering renting a large indoor space as a temporary measure to house the animals until they can be safely transported to animal centres across the province.

Despite their experience and unique position to be able to support large animal intakes, the BC SPCA says that, “one of this size and nature is exceptional and will draw extensively on all the organization’s resources to care for these animals in need.”

“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,” explains Eileen Drever, senior officer, protection and stakeholder relations for the BC SPCA.

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

Drever adds that they received a request for assistance from the animals’ current guardian through the Animal Helpline, and are still working to understand the full scope of the situation.

“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.”

The BC SPCA has already visited the property with food, supplies, and litter to help support the animals’ needs while coordination efforts are underway to bring the cats and kittens into their care.

According to the organization, the cats mostly appear to be in good shape and also seem quite social.

“When we initially attended, our teams were quite surprised to see how well the animals have been taken care of, all things considered,” said Drever. “But, without a quick intervention the chance of their welfare suffering is very high.”

Although the animals appear to be healthy, they will still require a considerable amount of veterinary care to ensure each animal receives appropriate assessments, vaccinations, a spay or neuter surgery and medical treatment. There is also the cost of supplies, transportation and staffing needs.

The BC SPCA is asking people to donate to help support the intake here.