The BC SPCA has taken in 83 Persian-mix cats following the death of their owner, after being contacted by the late owner’s family. The rescue required significant coordination and care due to the cats’ poor health and grooming conditions.
Sixty-three of the cats were transported to the BC SPCA Surrey Animal Centre through the organization’s Drive for Lives program, while the remaining 20 were sent to Kamloops. The Surrey centre, along with the Good Shepherd Barn, has become a main triage site for large-scale cat intakes across the province.
“Intaking and caring for 83 cats takes a great deal of resources,” said Layla Gilhooly, manager of the Surrey centre and Good Shepherd Barn. “Many of the cats still need spay or neuter surgeries, medical treatments, and extensive grooming.”
When they first arrived, many of the cats were frightened and hid under towels or inside their kennels. However, Gilhooly noted that despite their fear, several cats showed signs of friendliness.
The majority of the cats suffered from severe matting, which Gilhooly explained can be very painful. “Matted fur traps bacteria and dead skin cells and can cause serious skin irritation,” she said. “Some even had feces tangled in their coats.”
All of the cats are being treated for giardia and roundworms. Treatment includes a five-day medication regimen followed by bathing to prevent reinfection, as lingering eggs in the fur can be ingested through grooming.
Additionally, many of the cats are dealing with upper respiratory infections. Symptoms range from congestion and sneezing to eye and nasal discharge. Gilhooly said those with worsening symptoms will be taken to a veterinary clinic for further care.
Most of the cats are underweight, and several have dental issues such as broken teeth and gingivitis.
Due to limited space and resources, 27 of the cats from Surrey have already been transferred to other BC SPCA locations to help them find new homes. The remaining 36 cats are still at the Surrey centre, receiving treatment and care.
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