Half-price cats! Oversupply of abandoned felines prompts SPCA sale

If things have been feeling a little lonely around your home lately, this could be the weekend to get some cheap companionship.

The B.C. SPCA says it's putting cats on sale for half-price in order to clear out a glut of the felines at shelters around the province.

There are 700 adult cats across B.C. up for adoption, and that doesn't include the ones in foster homes.

"Adult cats need homes just as much as cute little kittens need homes, and kittens are always adopted quickly," said B.C. SPCA director of regional operations Jane Talbot.

"Adult felines have a lot of love to give, and we're hoping this promotion will encourage anyone who has been considering adoption to take the next step."

The half-price felines are six months or older and are available for adoption for $75, but just this weekend. The cash goes to cover insurance, vaccinations, a vet visit and spaying or and neutering.

"There are many benefits to adopting an older pet, they're more settled, they're house trained, their personalities are fully developed and you know how big they'll get."

"The best reason to adopt an adult, however, is because they deserve it."

Lack of housing leading to cat abandonment

Each year the B.C. SPCA rescues more than 15,000 cats, many of which have been left to fend for themselves outside, says the non-profit organization.

Spokesperson Amy Morris said part of the problem is there is not a lot of available housing in B.C. that permits pets.

As a result many cats are abandoned by owners, and once they are abandoned they are prolific breeders.

One female cat and her offspring can produce more than 200 kittens in one year the organization notes, and many end up suffering from illness, injury, starvation and predator attacks.

Morris says people also place a lower value on cats, and far fewer ever get spayed or neutered, when compared with dogs in B.C.

And that's why the organization has made dealing with B.C.'s cat overpopulation problem a major part of its five-year plan.

If you are interested in adopting a cat, you can stop by a shelter or go the BCSPCA's website.