BCSPCA rescues 21 cats from RV, supporters offer to match donations for kitties up to 20,000
By Contributor
An elderly out-of-province couple struggling with their own health issues recently became overwhelmed with the care of their 21 cats before concerned family members were able to step in to get support for both the couple and the cats in need.
The family embarked on an interprovincial journey in a recreational vehicle, intending to relocate the cats to the Lower Mainland, when they realized the cats were in distress. Concerned for their wellbeing, they reached out to the BC SPCA and surrendered all 21 cats to the Kelowna animal centre on October 19. Some of the cats remained in Kelowna while others were transferred to the BC SPCA Penticton.
“Unfortunately, this type of situation is something we’re seeing a lot right now, especially with the cost of living rising so quickly and so many other social concerns impacting our communities. When people are struggling, it often means their animals are struggling too,” says Matt Affleck, regional manager, animal cruelty investigations, Interior and Okanagan. “We’re so grateful for the family members involved who were able to jump in to get help for everyone who needed it.”
Affleck explains that the BC SPCA doesn’t always see cases where the family is able to step in and offer so much support. “We have no doubt the couple loved these cats and were doing their best, but the situation had gotten far too big for them to manage on their own. It’s an important reminder that we all should be checking in on friends and family as much as possible these days, including our four-legged and furry family members.”
“The BC SPCA often sees situations like this escalate when beloved pets aren’t spayed or neutered, leading to accidental litters and turning manageable situations into ones where owners can no longer adequately care for them. In this case, there were cats living all over the home with the couple, some upstairs, some downstairs in the basement, some in the garage. Most of the cats were very social but it became clear quickly that some needed urgent veterinary care.”
“The cats with the most urgent medical concerns were immediately brought to a veterinary clinic,” says Shannon Paille, manager of the BC SPCA Kelowna. “Unfortunately, three of the cats were in critical distress and were euthanized.”
“The cat we named Bunny had an abscessed bite wound near her tail, which was difficult to treat because it kept getting soiled and encrusted with feces,” says Paille. “She received around the clock care at the veterinary clinic and I’m so happy to share that she is now healing wonderfully. Despite her painful condition, Bunny wants nothing but love. She is incredibly affectionate and friendly. The staff at the clinic have fallen in love with her.”
Paille adds the cats, except for one, require dental care and all the cats have ear mites. “Many of the cats were also suffering with ear infections,” she says. “We are concerned that many of the cats may have stomatitis, which is an extremely painful, inflammatory condition that affects the mouth and makes eating very difficult.”
Paille explains although the exact cause of stomatitis is unknown, cats can have a genetic predisposition to the condition which means it can be passed down to their offspring. Treatment is usually multifaceted and can include dental extractions, pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Paille says the cats are very friendly and love being in each other’s company. “The cat we named Mouse was extremely fearful when he first arrived, but after less than a week he was thriving,” says Paille. “He still prefers to sit back and observe, but he will solicit attention and accept pets. The staff have been very dedicated to helping him become more comfortable and confident. Every milestone, every meow or nuzzle or belly rub, feels victorious. Recently, he reached out his paw to gently touch my hand after I stopped petting him.”
Four of the surrendered cats are currently available for adoption on the BC SPCA’s website, and one has already been adopted. Others will become available once they have been cleared by the veterinarian.
Today you can kindly ensure these cats receive urgent care and have your loving gift matched up to $20,000 by our caring friends Sharmini and Anil Wirasekara.
If you would like to help these cats and other animals in the BC SPCA’s care, please visit spca.bc.ca/donate-for-rescue.
