Community Cats
Community Cats are often the offspring of stray, abandoned or at large cats that are not spayed or neutered. Female cats can become pregnant at five months of age and can give birth several times each year. Without early human contact, their kittens become feral and begin the cycle of breeding again.
Although there are no concrete statistics to accurately reflect the number of feral cats in Saskatoon, it is estimated that there are over ten colonies currently in Saskatoon. These cats pose several problems not only to the environment, but for local ecology as well. Animal Services aims to educate the public regarding responsible cat ownership including the importance of spaying or neutering your cat, having a valid pet license, and ensuring your cat is under proper control when outside private property.
How Can You Help?
If you are a cat owner, remember to keep your cat on a leash or in a kennel when it is off your property. Spaying or neutering your cat will also help to reduce unwanted litters and cat overpopulation.
If you have found a cat it is important to know what to do. There are several options available, view the Saskatoon SPCA chart to figure out what the best solution is for your situation.
Want to volunteer? The Saskatoon SPCA is actively recruiting volunteers to help with various initiatives.
Essentials of Cat Ownership
Cats make great pets to have around the home. Every cat has a unique personality and quickly becomes a part of your family. While cats are typically known for being relatively low maintenance, there are a lot of things to consider to ensure they are at their happiest and healthiest.
Thinking about adopting or purchasing a cat? Consider the costs of owning a cat before making this important decision. While the cost of owning a cat is much less than that of a dog, there is still a significant financial responsibility associated with owning a cat.
| Getting Started Expenses | Ongoing Expenses |
|---|---|
| Spay or Neuter Services | Annual Licensing Fees |
| Food and Water Dishes | Cat Food and Treats |
| Collar and Leash | Vet Check-ups & Vaccinations |
| Brush | Medication |
| Litter Box | Grooming |
| Scratching Post | Litter |
| Cat Carrier | Vacation Pet-sitting |
| Toys | Pet Insurance |
Don't Forget to License your Cat!
- In Saskatoon, all cats four months and older require a valid pet license.
- Fees from licenses help provide food, shelter and vet care for thousands of lost cats in Saskatoon each year.
- A valid pet license has the added perk of the PAL (Pet at Large) program.
- It is easy to purchase or renew your pet license online
It's Important to Spay or Neuter Your Cat
- Reduces unwanted litters and cat overpopulation
- Reduces the incidence of disease and infection
- Eliminates female heat cycles and reduces male spraying
- Helps make cats more sociable and affectionate
Looking for financial assistance to have your cat spayed or neutered? Learn about the Subsidized Spay and Neuter Program.
Outdoor Play
If you want your cat to take in the fresh air and experience the stimulation of the outdoors, consider teaching your cat to walk with a harness and leash or invest in a Catio (cat patio). There are many ways to ensure that your cat can safely enjoy the outdoors. Remember, when a cat is off private property, they must be on a leash no more than 2 metres in length and under proper control or in a kennel.
Animal Rescues
Looking to adopt your next pet from a local rescue? Here are some key characteristics of reputable and responsible rescues and humane societies.
- Has a board of directors
- Publishes annual audited financial reports
- You can visit their shelter - open to the public and easy to inspect
- Shelter is clean and animals are doing well
- If the rescue is foster based, they limit the number of pets per household to ensure capacity for appropriate care
- If foster based, the pet is in good physical condition and does not smell bad or exhibit signs of disease, stress, hunger
- Organization works well with other reputable organizations
- Animals have up-to-date vaccinations and are spayed or neutered
- Complete health records are available for your adopted pet
- A veterinarian of record is available
- For larger organizations, animal care meets Association of Shelter Veterinarian, Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, or Humane Canada standards
- Organization does not have a history of conviction under the Animal Protection Act of Saskatchewan
Tips for Choosing a Cat from the Saskatoon SPCA
- Adopt from a well-managed animal shelter whose staff and volunteers can provide you with essential details on the cat’s background, personality, and behavior.
- The decision to adopt a pet is not one that should be rushed into. You should ensure you have done an analysis of your home, your lifestyle, and what you are looking for in a companion animal.
- How many hours will you be leaving them alone for each day, and where will you keep them?
- What personality traits, such as energy level and sociability, am I looking for in a cat?
- How much time, money, and energy am I able to devote to this new cat?
- Are allergies a concern?
- Does my building or condo allow pets?
- When first meeting a pet you would like to adopt, it is a good idea to bring along anyone (such as significant others, spouses, or children) who will also be living with this potential new addition.
- If you already have other pets at home, make sure you give both them and your new cat their own space within your home. Provide gradual and controlled introductions so they can get to know each other slowly.
- Spay or neuter your cat as soon as possible – this is the best way to prevent animal homelessness. Even strictly indoor pets can make the occasional escape, and when an unaltered animal is on the loose, they're on a mission to multiply! Healthy kittens can be spayed or neutered as early as eight weeks of age.