An Oliver-based cat rescue society has saved more than 100 cats and kittens from a South Okanagan property.
Joeline Laliberte runs Paws N Claws Freedom Rescue Societyand recently rescued hoards of cats and kittens that were all suffering from malnutrition, mites and worms.
“The cats were actually in pretty good condition, considering what they were living like. Some have upper respiratory issues and hair loss from malnutrition. They have worms but overall, they are doing well.”
Laliberte said the property owners had good intentions but got overwhelmed as the non-fixed cat population kept growing. The owners agreed to surrender all the cats, said Laliberte.
“We let them keep two cats but we are getting them fixed first before we return them.”
When Laliberte went to the property, inside the home was covered in cats in every room. There was also barns full of felines. None of them had been neutered or spayed.
The cats were being fed dog food and whatever the family had on hand.
“We have a few pregnant cats as well,” she said.
Most of the cats range in age from five weeks old upwards to two years old.
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“Some are quite shy and others are adoptable now. They will all be adoptable pretty soon so stay tuned. Some might take more time in a foster home to be socialized,” she said.
Already, she has spayed and neutered more than 10 of the cats, with another 25 going in by this week.
“I used to also run a grooming business but this has turned into a full-time job and then some. But I love it,” she added.
The situation is so big other rescue groups have taken in some of the cats. Paws N Claws has a great working relationship with Critteraid who has taken in a lot of the cats. A Kelowna cat rescue agreed to take some as has an organization in Mission. There are 38 cats with Paws N Claws.
Several of the cats she has up for adoption and can be viewed on her website.
Lucky Pets in Penticton partners with Paw N Claws and has a large cattery where some of these adoptable kittens will be.
Laliberte is looking for donations of litter boxes, blankets, food and cat toys. But the best way to help is with a financial donation to help pay for deworming, vaccinations, spays and neuters.
You can e-transfer donations to pawclaws@telus.net.
To donate, volunteer, or adopt a new furry friend, you can visit Joeline’s website at pawclaws.ca
These kittens were rescued from a home of 100 cats.
This black kitten is ready for adoption.
