‘Overwhelming’: 76 cats abandoned in span of 4 days in Niagara Region

In the past four days, 76 cats have been abandoned in Niagara County, posing a major challenge for the local SPCA.

Amelia Canto, the organization’s CEO, told CTV News Toronto that the cat population usually increases during this time of year because kittens are born, but the sudden influx of cats arriving at their shelters was “unexpected and overwhelming.”

She explained that they received two separate boxes of cats — one containing 10 cats and the other containing 14 female cats. The two boxes were abandoned in a local park, with a note on the box asking for homes for the cats because the person who abandoned them was no longer able to care for them.

In addition, nine other cats were left homeless after being given eviction notices.

The incident occurred between July 14 and 18, and it has been extremely difficult for them to take in the sudden influx of cats, Canto said.

The three shelters in Niagara Falls, Port Cleburne and Welland, as well as a dedicated cat adoption center, have a capacity of 216 cats, but the number has since increased to 277.

All of the cats are now in good health and have been medically examined, but they need to be prepared for adoption and spayed.

The association’s CEO said the female cats that were abandoned had not been spayed before, which added to the complexity of the job.

A nearby veterinary hospital was able to spay 15 cats in one day, and another veterinarian has put together a team to handle the rest.

Tammy Gabory, the association’s animal care director, wrote in an online letter that they have been through this busy season before, but the volume and conditions were unpredictable.

Canto added that in some cases, when the shelter is full, they are forced to keep mothers and kittens or dependent cats together, which makes the situation even more stressful.

He also said that three motherless and hungry kittens were recently found in a yard that needed immediate help.

The association is now operating at full capacity at its four centers, even after transferring some animals to local pet stores to ease the pressure.

Canto said they have had overwhelming support from local vendors, including 10 Pet Valu locations that donated $6,000 worth of pet food and litter, with another $2,500 on the way.

Ruffins Pet Center in Welland also donated two packages of kitten milk, after three motherless and desperately needy kittens were rescued.

So far, 17 cats have been placed in new homes over the weekend, and the adoption process is ongoing.

The association's CEO said they couldn't have done it without the help of partners and volunteers. Volunteers have helped them with the hard work and also temporarily housed some animals to free up space in the shelters.

Strategies to prevent animal abandonment
Canto told CTV News that abandoning animals is usually a sign of extreme desperation on the part of their owners.

He added that those who have caged cats and left notes are definitely in difficult situations.

Often, the decision is made due to sudden financial hardship, forcing the owner to choose between providing for themselves and the animal.

Canto said the decision is not easy for anyone and is an uphill battle for them.

He stressed that being aware of the responsibilities and costs of caring for animals can help reduce abandonment.

He also recommended that pet owners in difficult situations contact the SPCA so that they can be helped with food or cat litter if possible, so they don't have to abandon their animals.

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