Ragdoll kittens and cats surrendered after report to help line: B.C. SPCA
Eight ragdoll kittens and adult cats are in B.C. SPCA care after being surrendered to an animal protection officer in Nanaimo.
The SPCA said the felines were taken in on April 10 after an investigation into a breeder who was allegedly keeping them in filthy conditions.
“This case of neglect was brought to our attention by an individual who purchased a kitten from a local breeder,” said Eileen Drever of the B.C. SPCA.
“Not only did this breeder deny the buyer entry into their home to see the breeding area, but the kitten they brought out smelled strongly of urine and had fleas crawling into their mouth and eyes.”
The buyer took the kitten to a vet for a checkup, and it was found to have a “bloated abdomen, with live fleas and excessive flea dirt present, dark debris in the ears, dark discharge in one eye, hair loss around both eyes, and scabs on the tip of his ears, plus crusting on his tail,” said Drever in a news release Wednesday.
“The kitten was in such poor health that the veterinarian opted to delay vaccinations until the kitten recovered,” said Drever. The owner was sent home with four medications to treat the kitten’s various ailments.
The buyer then called the SPCA’s animal help line and an investigation was started.
The animal protection officer who visited the home noticed a strong ammonia smell, full litter boxes and cat feces on the floor. There was no kitten food present for several eight-week-old kittens.
The owner surrendered the remaining cats and kittens to the officer.
All the kittens had similar health concerns to what was reported to the help line, said Drever. “They were also hungry and malnourished.”
Four adult cats were in no better shape. “They were covered in live fleas with severe flea allergy dermatitis and skin infections,” said Drever. “One of the adult females had two mammary cysts that will need to be removed when she is spayed.”
The cats arrived to the animal centre “scared and untrusting,” she said. Staff have been spending lots of time with them to get them more comfortable, and now three of the four kittens will let workers pet them and are starting to purr. The adults are also starting to come around.
Drever is reminding people to be wary of irresponsible breeders.
“It is worth repeating, if a breeder will not let you into their home to see how the animals are living, then you should not purchase an animal from them,” she said. Anyone who has a similar experience with an animal in distress is urged to call the help line at 1-855-622-7722.
As for possible adoption, that’s still down the road. The felines recently tested positive for ringworm and are in quarantine for at least two months. They will be listed at
when they’re available.
Anyone who can help with care for these cats and other animals in need is asked to visit
.
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Source: vancouversun.com