In response to a recent article published in your newspaper about a realtor who was attacked by a stray cat while showing a house in New Westminster, I wish to provide some additional information that would be beneficial to your readers who might find themselves in a similar situation.
As president of the Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association, I deal with pregnant or nursing cats on a year-round basis. New mother cats can often behave unpredictably because they are extremely scared. When VOKRA takes in a homeless cat, we provide her with a quiet and safe place to settle in, and avoid handling her beyond providing food, water and clean litter.
At this time of year, VOKRA is flooded with calls from people all over the Lower Mainland who find pregnant cats or newborn kittens in their neighbourhoods. Many of the cats are lost or abandoned pets. I cannot stress enough the importance of spaying or neutering cats by five months and keeping them indoors.
I encourage the homeowner mentioned in the story to contact VOKRA for help. For information on caring for pregnant or nursing cats, and to learn about other ways to get involved with VOKRA, visit www.vokra.ca.
Karen Duncan, president, Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association
