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Stray cats concern SPCA
by Corey LeBlanc coreyleblanc@thecasket.ca
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Stray cats – like this furry little feline – are a problem in the community according to representatives of the Antigonish SPCA. (Submitted photo)
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The Antigonish SPCA is reminding pet owners to keep their pets inside during severe weather conditions.
“Dogs, especially smaller breeds, should spend only short periods of time outside and cats should be kept indoors,” Antigonish SPCA board member and education and awareness chair Lynda MacLellan said.
If pets are spending some time outside, she provided a reminder about outside water dishes.
“Avoid metal dishes because the pet’s tongue may freeze to it. For the same reason, keep the dish free of ice as well.”
Stray animals, particularly cats, have become more and more of an issue over the winter months. Antigonish SPCA representatives raised the issue at a recent meeting of the Town of Antigonish police and licensing committee.
“We are floored by the number of cats roaming in Antigonish,” local SPCA president Betty O’Neill told members.
The Antigonish SPCA does not have a shelter, which compounds the problem. There are a few places that provide foster care for the stray cats.
“I don’t know what we would do without the St. F.X. students,” O’Neill said.
She added the local organization has a simple request – people to practice “responsible pet ownership.” Owners need to start spaying and neutering their pets.
Neighbourhoods are dealing with abandoned cats on the front lawns of homes. At times, the female felines are delivering litters.
MacLellan reiterated the importance of spaying and neutering.
“Reproduction control for companion animals is the key to responsible pet ownership. It results in healthier animals, which live longer and enjoy higher quality of life. Don’t become part of this problem. Pets are for life,” she said.
MacLellan pointed out cat abandonment is rampant.
“Kittens have been tossed from car windows, dropped off at farms, left by roadsides and in the woods,” she said, noting shelters across this province are “overwhelmed with discarded pets.”
Like O’Neill, MacLellan said there are several examples of residents who have been lifesavers, including a group on Northview Drive that has rescued four stray cats.
“But, they are very upset that there are so many more that need help. It is very heartbreaking to have a cold and hungry stray sitting outside looking in your window.”
The local SPCA representatives also praised a Country Harbour couple who, at their own expense, has cared for a number of stray cats, including covering spaying and neutering costs. Their neighbour who passed away owned 16 cats.
“These compassionate people stepped up to the plate and assumed responsibility for them,” MacLellan said.
The Antigonish SPCA representatives said everyone can play a part in helping these animals survive the harsh winter, including providing food and protection from the weather for neighbourhood strays.
“These animals, mostly cats and kittens, suffer greatly during the winter. They are cold, and are very susceptible to frostbite and starvation,” MacLellan said.
“People need to remember that every stray cat was once a household pet or descended from a pet. Their suffering is a direct result of human irresponsibility.”
MacLellan dispelled the misconception that “outdoor” cats have a built-in ability to survive.
“Cats, in fact, love being in warm places and detest being cold. Kittens are not born with labels ‘indoor cat’ or ‘outdoor cat.’ They are all alike in their intolerance of cold and experiencing hunger and pain. The strongest manage to survive, but they have a miserable time doing so,” she said.
O’Neill added many of the strays cats are not “wild,” and are wearing collars, which indicates they have owners.
“Cats are paying the price with their lives. There are times when there is no alternative and they have to be put down,” she said.
The animal control officer’s work in the community is exceptional, according to O’Neill, but the lack of space for strays is a challenge for him as well.
O’Neill restated the message she provided to the town police and licensing committee a couple of weeks ago – the need for more information about responsible pet ownership.
Although O’Neill said fining cat owners could help the situation, the more pressing need is increased awareness.
“We need to educate the public. It is a small percentage doing it out there, but we still have to raise awareness.”
The town police and licensing committee has agreed to assist with such an awareness campaign, including placing an insert in the next Talk of the Town publication.
If people would like more information, including the opportunity to serve as a foster owner, call 863-2111 or antspca@eastlink.ca
“Together we can set an example for the rest of Nova Scotia by treating household pets and all animals with respect and dignity – not as disposables,” O’Neill said.
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