By Kellah Lavoie

SPCA gets creative with cats

Jun 3, 2011 | 9:34 AM

The SPCA is trying to bring attention to it’s over abundance of cats.

A new poster features a variety of furry friends, saying there is something for everyone – all makes, all models, all sizes.

“We have so much, we wanted to do something that is a little more innovative and creative, hopefully will catch the publics’ eye and bring people in to see all the various types of cats we have,” said Debbie Lehner, SPCA manager.

They are currently housing more than 78 cats in the facility and through foster homes. They only have enough kennels for 50 to 55.

“This is what we almost call the ‘kitty season,’ where litters of kittens are dropped at our doorstep or people are bringing them in from garbage bins throughout the city,” she said.

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“We have a mother cat and five kittens for example housed in one kennel, we’ve doubled up some of the kittens.”

It is not just an issue of space, Lehner said.

“The ventilation and air exchange systems here are nonexistent and when the cats come in, it’s not a normal environment for them to live in, so they become quite stressed and develop upper respiratory (problems),” she said.

None of the cats in the SPCA are micro-chipped or have adequate identification, although Lehner said she believes all of them have owners in the Prince Albert area.

There are benefits to picking up a new pet.

Those who stop by in June and adopt a cat will have the pet micro-chipped, get a free membership to the SPCA which includes discounts at five local businesses and get a bag of cat food. The adoptions are free, although they ask for a donation to cover the cost of caring for the cat while it was at the SPCA and spaying or neutering is mandatory.

“Our goal is just to find them permanent homes,” she said, adding she hopes the new poster will bring in more people.

“It’s very catchy, it’s fun and I am hoping to have a good response from that.”

klavoie@panow.com