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RAPS has rescued dozens of cats and kittens and is now assessing their health.
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RAPS rescues dozens of cats
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The Regional Animal Protection Society has rescued dozens of cats and kittens from a situation in Richmond where a well-intentioned individual was feeding stray cats until the numbers got beyond their control.
On March 31 and April 1, RAPS staff and volunteers brought 20 kittens and 27 adults cats—including three that are pregnant—to the RAPS City of Richmond Animal Shelter. The animals’ health is being assessed and all their needs will be met by veterinarians and staff at the not-for-profit RAPS Animal Hospital.
The Regional Animal Protection Society began 25 years ago, as a small group of volunteers humanely trapped and spayed or neutered feral cats in Richmond. As a result of these decades of work, Richmond has almost no feral cats. By means of comparison, it is estimated that Surrey has tens of thousands. This rare situation reminds Richmond residents of RAPS’ no-kill humane care that cats receive in our municipality and the vital necessity of spaying and neutering.
“They have a variety of health issues that will need to be addressed,” says Eyal Lichtmann, CEO and executive director of RAPS. “Some of the kittens have eye infections that are being treated. Most of the cats and kittens were flea-infested.”
The cats will be vaccinated and spayed or neutered, and receive X-rays, full diagnostic lab tests, screening procedures, SNAP tests to determine conditions such as feline AIDS and leukemia, as well as any other symptoms that might be in evidence. Some adult cats will likely require dental or other surgical procedures.
“Eight kittens who are three-day-old and their mom have been placed in a secure foster home,” says Lichtmann. “Twelve other kittens, estimated to be around four to six weeks old, will likely also be fostered until they are eight to 10 weeks old and ready for adoption and their forever homes.”
Eventually, most of the cats and kittens will be offered for adoptions and RAPS advises families considering adoption to check frequently for updates on the RAPS website at rapsbc.com.
The organization is also asking for support to deal with the increased demand created by these cats, especially as RAPS’ revenues are being affected by the pandemic. “Our donations are down at this time,” says Lichtmann. “When times are tough, charity services are in demand by the public. Requests for RAPS services, in helping to save animals, and people needing our services at the RAPS Animal Hospital, are greater than ever. That is why we need public support for the 47 cats and kittens and for all the other ways RAPS helps the community.”
The RAPS Thrift Stores, which provide a good proportion of RAPS revenues, are closed. The City Animal Shelter and the RAPS Cat Sanctuary are closed to the public while staff and volunteers provide care for the animals on staggered shifts to respect social distancing. The RAPS Animal Hospital is operating, with protocols to limit human-to-human interactions.
“For everything we do, everyday, we depend on the support of our community,” Lichtmann says. “Now, more than ever.”
Pat Johnson is communications manager of the Regional Animal Protection Society.
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