On September 8, a five-week-old kitten, named Guppy by BC SPCA staff, was rescued from a property in Kelowna, along with his two-year-old mother and six siblings, after they were surrendered by the owner following an animal protection investigation.
“The mother and kittens were found hiding in the garage on the property. The animal protection officer noticed a significant abnormality in the kitten’s legs right away, which required immediate veterinary care,” says Eileen Drever, senior officer protection, and stakeholder relations. “After the cats came into the animal centre, the kitten was brought to a veterinary clinic for an examination where they determined the issue with his legs was a congenital deformity, most likely caused by how he was positioned in the uterus.”
Drever adds the owner of these cats has others on the property who will also be brought into BC SPCA care. “All of the cats are the offspring of the same mother, which increases the possibility of inbreeding,” says Drever. “The adult cats have not been spayed or neutered, so the owners have become overwhelmed with litters of kittens. This particular mother has had over 30 kittens.”
Uncontrolled and unintentional breeding have become one of the top reasons animals are surrendered to the BC SPCA. “The owner is not breeding cats to sell, but simply because the adult cats have not been spayed or neutered, they are producing unwanted litters. It has become a significant issue,” says Drever. “It’s important for those welcoming a new cat to their home to know that cats can reach sexual maturity as early as four months of age.”
“Momma cat, who we named Coral, was clearly stressed when she came in, but warmed up once we started the intake assessment,” says Shannon Paille, manager, Kelowna animal centre. “She was very comfortable with us handling her babies who were vocal but friendly.”
Paille adds the rest of the cats are in good health, but Guppy will require ongoing care. “The veterinary staff conducted a series of x-rays. The kitten’s two front legs have been gently splinted to try to straighten them,” says Paille. “We are doing everything possible to help this kitten, but the long-term prognosis is still unknown. Our hope is the splints will work, but we won’t know until he has another examination at the vet clinic. Guppy is so young, there is still some question about the development of the bone in one of the legs.”
Paille adds Guppy is a very brave and determined kitten and does not let his splints hold him back from exploring his kennel. “He is working very hard to figure out how to move around with them,” she says.
As the kittens are only five weeks old, they will need a bit more time to grow and develop but they should be ready for adoption in approximately three to four weeks. Coral, their mom, will be available at that time as well. “She is a great mom,” says Paille. “She is always feeding her babies. They are just a lovely, friendly family.”