As Animal Protection Officers entered each room where these 34 Bengal cats were being kept, the overwhelming stench of urine and ammonia stung their eyes. The group were living in dirty cages with overflowing litter boxes. In some rooms, crates stacked on top of each other, and in one case multiple cats were crammed into a single cage.

This is yet another devastating example of irresponsible breeding, where innocent animals suffer the consequences. It breaks our heart, and I’m sure yours, too.

Now in BC SPCA care, the full extent of their medical and emotional needs is still being determined. Almost all of the cats are underweight. Many have been struggling with diarrhea, ear infections and skin issues, including patches of unexplained hair loss that have prompted ringworm testing across the entire group. The days have been long and demanding as staff and volunteers work tirelessly to assess each cat and provide the individualized care they urgently need.

Please consider opening your heart to these cats by making a kind donation towards their treatments and specialized care. It’s comforting knowing they are now safe, receiving the love they need thanks to the compassion of people like you.

On top of these medical issues, most of this group are extremely fearful. Their care teams have to be extra patient as they adjust their approach for each animal depending on their comfort level. Even the small wins — a cat who doesn’t retreat during a health check, or one who only meows a little during treatment — feel like progress. For a group of Bengals, a vocal and high-energy wild-hybrid domestic breed, that quiet can speak volumes.

Bengals are known as wild-hybrid domestic cats; wild Asian leopard cats bred with domestic breeds. Because they retain many of their natural instincts and specialized needs, ensuring their proper welfare can be exceptionally challenging. They need more stimulation than most cats and benefit from environments tailored to their energetic and intelligent natures. It’s troubling to know many of this group were confined to small cages with little or no enrichment.

For those who are underweight, smaller and more regular meals will help them to increase their calorie intake and gain weight. Others need topical treatments for skin and ear issues, specific diets, medications for those with extreme anxiety, deworming, and spay/neuter surgeries. Each cat has a unique recovery plan, with new needs emerging daily as we learn more about their path to healing. We don’t know what the next weeks or even months look like for these Bengal cats, but we do know they need your help to ensure they have the best care possible.

Your love will save lives today.

Though still fearful, many of these Bengal cats are showing remarkable courage as they engage with the vet team, staff, and volunteers. Right now, our focus is on reducing their stress, ensuring they receive the medical care necessary to ensure a full recovery and offering them a secure safe environment where they can express their natural behaviours as wild-hybrid domestic cats. Your kindness today will go far to ensure these cats have the best chance possible at a future free from the suffering they have known.

It’s your love for animals that makes these rescues possible. Thank you.

*in the rare event that funds raised exceed the needs of this group, your loving gift will help the next animal in need

Given the challenges providing proper welfare for wild-hybrids, the BC SPCA supports a ban on the importation, breeding and ownership of exotic animals such as Asian leopard cats and Servals, used to create hybrid cats, under the provincial Controlled Alien Species Regulation of the Wildlife Act.