BC SPCA shelters around the province are in urgent need of permanent homes for cats and kittens.

The non-profit society currently has 3,100 cats and kittens in its network of shelters and foster homes. But many facilities have reached capacity and are struggling to accommodate additional animals.

Shelters in Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Chilliwack, Maple Ridge, Dawson Creek, Kamloops, Prince Rupert, Williams Lake and Quesnel are among those who have been forced to turn away or create waiting lists for guardians who show up to surrender their own cats and kittens.

"We're doing our best but we're absolutely over capacity right now," says Ryan Voutilainen, manager of the BC SPCA's Vancouver Branch. "The welfare of the cats and kittens we already have in our care is our first priority, so unfortunately at this time we can't accommodate cats who are being surrendered by their guardians."

The BC SPCA has about 3,100 cats and kittens in care, including more than 200 in Vancouver alone. In Williams Lake, there are 80 cats and kittens already in care, with another 80 guardians on a waiting list to be notified when space becomes available to surrender their animal.

"Now is the height of kitten season, which is our busiest time of year," says Mark Takhar, assistant general manager of operations for the BC SPCA. "We're asking people to be patient until space becomes available."

Takhar says most guardians are understanding when told that many shelters are not accepting surrendered cats.

"They know they are ultimately responsible for their animal and in most situations could have done something to prevent having to give it up – for example, spaying and neutering would have prevented an unwanted litter."

The BC SPCA is the only animal welfare organization in the province with the authority to enforce the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, and continues to provide care and protection to abused, neglected and injured animals, such as the 23 cats and kittens rescued from a hoarder in East Vancouver recently.

As much as it's a busy time of year for SPCA staff, volunteers and the society's foster homes, it's also the best time of year for animal lovers to adopt a cat or kitten, Takhar says.

"We have cats and kittens of every colour, size, age, breed and personality," says Takhar.

SPCA adoption fees vary by region, but all include spay/neuter and vaccinations. Visit our adoptable animals search to find your new feline friend!

For those unable to adopt a furry friend, you can still help by supporting the October Grey Fund for Animal Care. A donation of any amount will help provide shelter and care for thousands of animals waiting for a new home. Please make a life-saving gift today.

Photo caption: Muggs (above) is just one of more than 3,000 cats in need of a forever home at various BC SPCA locations.

The BC SPCA is a non-profit organization funded primarily by public donations. Our mission is to prevent cruelty and to promote the welfare of animals through a wide range of services, including cruelty investigations, emergency rescue and treatment, sheltering and adoption of homeless and abused animals, humane education, advocacy, farm animal welfare, spay/neuter programs, and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.