Let me just try to put an animal-orientated perspective on the problem of unwanted cats by giving a brief description of the SPCA kitties who share my family’s life. All are from the Nanaimo SPCA, unless otherwise mentioned. It is probable all the cats listed below would have been dead if owner surrenders or strays were not accepted.

Many people adopt animals from the SPCA and it gives the ex-rejects a whole new, wonderful life. Of course, some have to be euthanised but in Nanaimo, this is only for major health problems. The vast majority find new homes.

I am firmly in favour of spay/neuter programmes, as I feel that this is a much more viable alternative than abandonment of animals to their fate on the streets. This should be the Number 1 priority for the SPCA- not a $25 000 across-the-province project.

There are other groups involved in rescue, but they simply don't have the facilities or resources to deal with the large number of unwanted cats.

Let me introduce the cats. What are your suggestions about alternatives to trying to adopt them out? What should have happened to them all when the owners made the decision that they didn’t want them any more or if they were found on the streets?

1. DUSTY (5 years old) - a beautiful, contented silver-tip Persian

Owner-surrendered due to scratching, biting, hissing, wife was dying of cancer. He’s my best computer buddy.

2. DEXTER (6 years old) - an flame-point Persian-

Owner surrendered- he was too much work. They had no time for him. He supposedly peed around the house, and he had withdrawal fears when the owners left the house. [And then they dump him at the SPCA! ]
He's wonderful- a big fellow who purrs and loves attention.

3. JUNIPER (5 years old) - a grey/white girl

She was on "half-price summer special" as she was difficult to adopt, due to extreme shyness. She had a twin sister in the Feral Cat Rescue, who we also adopted. She was one of a litter of sick strays rescued by the Feral Cat Society and sent to the SPCA’s adoption programme.

4. HEATHER (about 7 years old) a shy little tortie
A sad little girl, who was one of over 50 cats that the SPCA took in when the owner couldn't look after them

5. and 6. OTIS and MILO- identical all black twins with ear tufts- about 6 years old)
Owner surrendered as they were too expensive to feed and the owner did not want them any more

7. SEALY- a sealpoint X
A difficult cat but she's always the first at the door to greet you when you come home

8. FELICITY- a smoke three-legged tabby
Found wandering on the streets after a nasty divorce. We thank the Nanaimo SPCA for her, as she was very sick with skin problems and it would have been so easy to euthanise her. She's incredible, a mistress of the arts of purring and lap sitting, and she never lets her handicap interfere with anything.

We have to deal with situations as they are. We can’t create new conditions for animals by waving a wand and saying that owner surrenders will not be accepted. Until such time as spay/neutering education really takes effect, there is no option that I can see to accepting owner surrenders. Of course, education on the responsibilities of pet ownership is important too .