Toronto Cat Rescue appeals for assist after 135 cats rescued from hoarding state of affairs

When the Toronto Cat Rescue was requested to soak up a whole bunch of rescued cats and kittens, the not-for-profit group didn’t hesitate to open its doorways.

It is as a result of, Cassandra Koenen, the communications director of the Toronto Cat Rescue, says the town “has the capability to assist.”

“They at all times reply graciously with donations. And we have by no means had an issue discovering properties for these cats … Toronto loves to assist,” she stated in an interview with CP24.com.

“It is a secure gamble that we’re going to have the ability to reply, and has confirmed out once more this time.”

The Toronto Cat Rescue has agreed to accommodate 135 of the almost 200 felines saved by a rescue companion from a house a few hours away from the town. The opposite cats had been despatched to a different rescue group.

It’s the Toronto Cat Rescue’s largest consumption from one house, Koenen says. Whereas they’ve been concerned in circumstances the place there have been 300 cats within the residence, solely 70 to 80 felines had been delivered to them.

Of the 135 felines, 80 arrived in Toronto final week, together with 11 nursing cats, 41 kittens and 5 pregnant moms.

“Nearly all of them are doing extraordinarily properly in foster and persevering with to thrive and can stick with us till they’re prepared for adoption,” Koenen stated.

The remaining 55 are being held in a facility and should be spayed or neutered earlier than being transferred to Toronto, which is anticipated to occur within the coming weeks.

For probably the most half, the cats and kittens had been in good well being after they had been rescued regardless of many having an higher respiratory an infection.

“We did see a number of very skinny cats which can be actually undernourished, and that is a number of what we’re doing is ensuring that they are getting numerous the best sorts of meals and as a lot as they need,” she stated, including the cats had additionally been given antibiotics.

Koenen anticipates different medical points may very well be found later because the cats get the correct care.

“There’s some cats who will in all probability want dental. There are cats which will have points that you realize till they’ll have a radical vet examine, we might not know, or it’d come up within the subsequent few weeks as we spend extra time with them they usually’re inside our look after longer. That is typically the case as properly,” she stated.

“We simply do not know what’s lingering. And clearly, these cats have by no means seen the vet earlier than they got here to us.”

That’s the hazard posed when folks hoard pets. Koenen stated most circumstances contain individuals who “assume they’re doing the best factor,” however they’re really doing the other.

“These are people who care about cats, who love cats, who assume they’re serving to. They assume they’re saving them,” she stated.

“They really consider that, they usually simply lose contact of what’s rational and what’s applicable.”

Whereas she can not share particular particulars concerning the case for privateness causes, Koenen stated not one of many rescued felines was spayed or neutered, which might have led to the state of affairs getting out of hand.

“If a mom cat can provide start to a few litters a yr, after which every litter, there are three to 5 cats, it doesn’t take lengthy for the inhabitants to blow up the best way it does,” she stated.

It’s the purpose why Toronto pet homeowners usually are not allowed to maintain greater than six cats concurrently in any dwelling unit. As soon as the variety of pets turns into uncontrollable, Koenen stated it will be not possible for homeowners to offer the correct care.

“They should know whether or not they’re sick, or they have been harm, or there’s one thing happening with them. Regardless of your greatest efforts, regardless of what number of meals bowls you lay down, water bowls you lay down with that many cats, there’s at all times going to be somebody who’s not getting sufficient,” she stated.

“It is simply too arduous to watch. From that perspective alone, it is difficult for the animals.”

The Toronto Cat Rescue is now centered on discovering everlasting properties for the cats. Koenen stated the grownup ones might be up for adoption quickly, whereas the kittens will not be prepared till the summer season when they’re 12 weeks previous.

The group has been interesting for donations to assist them cowl the price to make sure the rescued cats are able to be adopted. They’re additionally searching for volunteers.

“Donations are the lifeblood for us…We have no authorities donations. So that’s one of the simplest ways to assist us,” Koenen stated.

“This rescue, in and of itself, takes an unlimited drain on our volunteer base. And so in the event that they head to our web site, there are many open, open positions.”