By Marianne MooreThe most commonly asked question by visitors to RAPS’ cat sanctuary is “Where do all these cats come from?” There are about 900 felines at the sanctuary, so it’s hardly surprising that people would ask that. Each year a few cats arrive at the sanctuary in a completely unique and unexpected way, but most were either strays, abandoned, or surrendered by their owners. Here are some examples:
Cecilia was one of ten cats trapped at an industrial site. Site employees had seen cats wandering around at the far end of their rural property and contacted RAPS. Although they’re not often seen by passers-by, there are many such cat colonies living “wild” in empty lots, under buildings or in back alleys all over the city. Some have lived like this their entire lives, born to stray cats or abandoned as kittens themselves. Many have never had contact with humans and behave as you would expect a wild animal to behave when trapped – hissing, spitting, and trying to attack their rescuers, whom they perceive as a threat. It didn’t take very long for Cecilia to become a frie
ndly and trusting cat – most likely, she was once a family pet who had been abandoned by her owners – but most cats in such trapped groups never become tame. Jasmine never has. Although this pretty girl is now less likely to run away and hide from us, she’s never let anyone touch her.
P.J. just showed up in someone’s back yard one day. The kind home owners put food and water out for him and tried to befriend him, but he was having none of that. With the assistance of RAPS trappers, P.J. was brought to the cat sanctuary where he eventually settled in quite happily. Like Cecilia, he had most likely been abandoned by his former owners.
As heartless as abandoning a cat outdoors may sound, it is even more difficult to understand how someone can leave a cat inside their home or apartment when they move, as Hansen’s owners did. When found, this gentle, handsome cat was starving and dehydrated and one of his paws was badly burned. After treatment, nourishment, and lots of cuddles, he’s recovered completely and is awaiting adoption at RAPS’ City Shelter.
Daisy came to RAPS when a passing motorist stopped to move what she thought was a dead cat off a busy road. When she realized the cat was still very much alive, she took it to an animal clinic. Daisy was unhurt, but very upset – she behaved exactly like a wild cat at the clinic and was going to be euthanized. Luckily, her rescuer came to her aid again and brought her to RAPS. Within just two weeks, Daisy became one of the cuddliest, friendliest cats at the shelter. Her sweet nature and unique appearance have made her a favourite of volunteers and visitors alike.
Trouble came to us when his owner became too ill to continue looking after him. It was her wish that her beloved cat would come to live at the sanctuary, where she herself had been a long-time volunteer. Despite requiring daily insulin injections for his diabetes, Trouble is no trouble at all.
Many cats are surrendered to RAPS because they repeatedly urinate or defecate in places other than their litter boxes. There are many possible and treatable reasons for this behaviour problem in cats, but not always. Sweet Pea was surrendered to RAPS as a young kitten because she just couldn’t be trained to use a litter box at all. It quickly became apparent that it wasn’t poor Sweet Pea’s fault – a nerve defect in her lower spine means that she has no sensation or control over what goes on “down there”. At the sanctuary, the dripping and dropping is just a small inconvenience, unlike in her previous home. Despite her problem, Sweet Pea really is a sweetie!
Lizzie was surrendered to RAPS because she was too temperamental and unpredictable in her owner’s home, and Elizabeth came to us because her owners were moving to another country and couldn’t take her along with them.
Here are some of the more unusual ways in which cats have come to RAPS’ cat sanctuary: Vicki jumped out of the back of a truck that had come from Vernon; Shayla was found wandering on a Richmond street with her front leg stuck inside her collar; and B.B. was dumped at the sanctuary gate inside a brown paper bag!!
Every cat at the cat sanctuary has a history, but we may never know it – if only they could talk!!
