Nearly two dozen cats were recently surrendered to the Kelowna BC SPCA by an elderly couple making an interprovincial trip.
The couple, who were travelling with family in an RV, were intending to relocate their 21 cats to the Lower Mainland, when they realized some of their cats were in distress, the BC SPCA said in a release.
The family members grew concerned for the animals and reached out to the Kelowna SPCA and surrendered all the cats on Oct. 19. Due to the large intake of cats, some were transferred to the Penticton branch.
Matt Affleck, regional manager of animal cruelty investigations for the Interior and Okanagan, said this type of situation is becoming all too common due to the rising cost of living.
“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.”
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Affleck said there is no doubt the animals were loved and their caretakers were doing their best but the situation had gotten to bi for them to manage on their own.
The SPCA said many of the animals were very social but some were in need of urgent vet care.
The one with the most urgent medical concerns were brought to a local vet clinic but unfortunately three of the cats were in critical condition and had to be euthanized, the release said.
One cat, who has now been named Bunny, was suffering from an abscessed bite wound near her tail that was very difficult to treat.
“She received around the clock care at the veterinary clinic and I’m so happy to share that she is now healing wonderfully,” said Shannon Paille, manager of the BC SPCA Kelowna.
“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.”
All the cats, except for one, require dental care and all will need treatment for ear mites.
Additionally, SPCA officials believe that many of the cats may have stomatitis, which is an extremely painful, inflammatory condition that affects the mouth and makes eating difficult.
Paille added that many of the cats are very friendly and enjoy the company of other cats.
Four of them are available for adoption and one has already found their forever home but the rest will need to be cleared by a vet before being put up for adoption.
Due to the large number of animals needing medical care, the SPCA is accepting donations that are being matched up to $20,000 by Sharmini and Anil Wirasekara.
