Fixing your pet can help prevent serious health issues

There is no doubt that domestic cats have it hard when it comes to abandonment and homelessness.

Trap-neuter-return groups, colony caretakers and animal rescuers see it every day. And yet, so many lives can be saved and suffering diminished, by simply having our household pets spayed or neutered.

Enhancing your cat’s indoor life

If there is one issue that I have found divides the world of cat owners, it is whether pet cats should be kept solely indoors or allowed to roam freely outdoors.

Those who argue for keeping pet cats strictly indoors put forward a variety of reasons. Some of these include lowering the risk of injury and disease transmission from fights with other cats, preventing attacks by wildlife or on wildlife, and reducing the chances of injury or death caused by automobiles and other man-made hazards.

Did you know that there are an estimated 20,000 feral, stray and abandoned cats living homeless within the Cape Breton Regional Municipality?

It is hard to imagine really, but just take a drive through some areas of Sydney, North Sydney, New Waterford, Glace Bay and countless other locations, and you will see cats roaming, lots of cats. Some have homes, but many do not.

Helping outdoor cats survive in winter weather

As the colder weather begins, many of us cannot help but worry about the homeless feral, stray and abandoned cats in our community.

Feral cats may have become accustomed to living outdoors, while abandoned and stray cats may not be well adapted, especially once the cold weather hits. Regardless, all outdoor cats can benefit greatly from our help. Daily access to food, water and shelter are critical to their health and survival.

It is that time of year when breeding activity is entering another peak season for unfixed cats.

Females can go into heat year-round, but the early months on the calendar seem to be the most prevalent in our region. This is evidenced each spring by an overwhelming number of kittens being born and either surrendered to a shelter or rescue group, given away, thrown away, or left to their own devices outdoors, allowing the cycle of reproduction and overpopulation to continue.

Springtime is kitten season and that means lots of furry bundles of cuteness.

This spring though, let’s hope for less unplanned and unwanted litters. Sadly, too many kittens are born outdoors without enough homes. This can be stressful for the kittens and their mothers, as well as the people who discover them and feel compelled to help. If you find yourself in this situation, there are a few things you need to know.