Every day, BC SPCA branch managers are faced with countless numbers of people looking for kittens; at the same time, branches across the province are overwhelmed with nearly 1,000 adult cats awaiting homes.
That’s why the BC SPCA is highlighting the many benefits of adopting adult cats, especially during their annual summer influx of highly desired kittens.
“We have so many wonderful cats who would make amazing companions in any loving home,” says Lorie Chortyk, general manager of community relations for the BC SPCA. “However, the sad reality is that cats are often overlooked in favour of kittens, and this is especially true during kitten season.”
In animal welfare organizations, “kitten season” commonly refers to the huge increase of surrendered and abandoned kittens that begins in May and continues throughout the fall. While many kittens are quickly scooped up by adopters, adult cats experience a longer stay at shelters. In fact, BC SPCA statistics indicate the average kitten has spent 31 days in care; the average adult cat, however, has remained 77 per cent longer. Of all felines available for adoption, the ratio of cats to kittens is 2:1.
Chortyk doesn’t blame people for wanting a kitten, but says the SPCA wants to remind people about the joys of adopting an adult cat.
“There are so many advantages to choosing a full-grown cat,” she says. “They’re more settled, they’re housetrained and their personalities are fully developed so you know exactly what you’re getting.”
Chortyk also says adult cats enjoy your companionship and affection, but don’t demand the level of supervision of their younger counterparts. To view cats and all other animals available for adoption, visit spca.bc.ca/adopt.
The BC SPCA is a non-profit organization reliant on community support. Its mission is to prevent cruelty and to promote the welfare of animals through a wide range of services, including cruelty investigations, emergency rescue and treatment, sheltering and adoption of homeless and abused animals, humane education, advocacy, farm animal welfare, spay/neuter programs, and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.
