Hamilton/Burlington SPCA aims to sterilize, vaccinate 100 community cats this weekend

A program that has been running for over 20 years to help control the cat population in Hamilton is preparing for a very busy weekend. The Hamilton/Burlington SPCA is hoping to spay and neuter 100 “community cats.”

There are currently an estimated 30,000 to 45,000 free-roaming, unowned cats in the City of Hamilton.

“They multiply so quickly,” said Karen Reichheld of the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA. “They can have multiple pregnancies in a calendar year, which is why we are doing this so early in the spring. We’re trying to beat the heat. Beat some of those pregnancies. We estimate that we may stop about 300 births just with this weekend’s efforts.”

The community cat program traps, sterilizes and vaccinates the cats before releasing them back into the community.

“There are many, many cats that are living out on the streets for no fault of their own,” Reichheld said. “We look to community members to identify those cats so that we can safely trap them, bring them to the shelter for the service, which improves their quality of life.”

The trapping phase of the program began Thursday night as staff and volunteers were out catching cats in downtown Hamilton. On Friday, those same cats were either spayed or neutered at the SPCA office.

“We are improving community health for those animals and the animals around them, their bond with the people who take care of them in the community,” said veterinarian Jackie Haas. “And a big part of controlling their health, disease transmission and population control.”

The program relies on both staff and volunteers like Barb Hebert, who has been volunteering with the organization for more than 20 years.

“I like to take care of the animals and make sure that they are well taken care of — and they are safe out there when they are outdoors. And no more babies,” Hebert said.

Staff and volunteers will be back out Friday and Saturday nights. The community cat program costs the SPCA around $750,000 per year.

While most of the cats will be placed back in the community, some will be put up for adoption. Those looking for more information on how to donate to the program or adopt a cat can visit the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA website.

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