The New Brunswick SPCA (NBSPCA) is kicking off a new initiative to tackle the increasing population of cats and kittens in animal shelters.
Through the “There’s No Place Like Home” campaign, the NBSPCA aims to place around 900 cats in 13 New Brunswick shelters in a safe, loving, and responsible environment.
Lesley Rogers, executive director of the NBSPCA, said cats are being brought in from numerous places, yet the biggest pressure on shelters stems from unwanted or abandoned litters of kittens.
“We had a relatively mild winter season, and the warmer weather has played a role in the higher number of litters cats are having. Shelters are used to kitten season, but this time period is now extending into many months of the year. That’s why it’s so crucial that every kitten is spayed or neutered,” said Rogers.
“As much as shelters can provide immediate safe space, health-care food and some loving for cats and kittens, we really want to see them in a home of their own.”
Rogers urges everyone in New Brunswick to consider adopting their cats from shelters or rescues that offer spaying or neutering as part of the adoption fee, making it the most budget-friendly choice for pet owners.
Families with limited income who own a cat but struggle to afford spaying or neutering may find assistance through the newly established Happy Tails Fund by the NBSPCA. This program has just been introduced and has a limited number of spots available.
Officials from the NBSPCA have also reported an increase in the number of lost cats, which is putting extra strain on shelter resources. They urge the community to take proactive steps to ensure their cats remain safe at home.
In addition to spaying or neutering, cat owners are encouraged to have their pets microchipped promptly and to keep their contact information current.
“We know that the stray population isn’t going away anytime soon, but there are simple steps every pet owner can take to reduce the number of strays in the future. The more cat parents pitch in, the more cats and kittens we can save,” added Rogers.
