SPCA launches cat adoption campaign as winter approaches

With colder temperatures approaching, the BC SPCA is encouraging people to consider cat adoption to “help turn brrs into purrs,” during an upcoming adoption campaign.

Beginning on Thursday, November 24, and running through until December 5, all adult cat adoption fees are 50% off.

The idea behind the campaign is to help free up space at crowded animal shelters, and give felines a chance to find their forever home.

“We’re reminding British Columbians that when one cat is adopted, it frees up shelter space and allows us to bring another cat in from the cold,” said Lorie Chortyk, BC SPCA general manager of community relations. “The society takes in several thousands of cats each year.”

Right now in BC, there’s more than 1,600 cats in the care of the BC SPCA, Chortyk added.

Homeless cats are a major issue in the province, often suffering from injury, illness, predator attacks, and frostbite.

Illegal abandonment and animals who aren’t spayed or neutered contribute to the problem. Other issues stem from cats without permanent identification, who are never reunited with their guardians.

The BC SPCA adoption fee includes vaccinations, spaying or neutering, permanent ID, any necessary medical care, and internal and external parasite treatment.

Adoption counselling and matching is part of the process, which helps ensure animals go to a good home, and Petsecure provides six weeks of free pet insurance.

All cats are microchipped, and for an annual $12 fee – or a $45 lifetime fee – the animal will be registered in the province-wide BC Pet Registry.

Visit spca.bc.ca/adopt to search for adoptable animals online.