THUNDER BAY — A local volunteer-run rescue organization has been so inundated with requests to take in cats that it's sending dozens of more animals hundreds of miles away to the North Bay Humane Society.
Caring Hearts Cat Rescue and Sanctuary, along with Murillo Mutts Respite Refuge and Best for Kitty Animal Rescue Service, will transfer close to 50 rescued cats on Tuesday.
Caring Hearts says it has taken in about 70 rescued or surrendered cats in recent months, in addition to the 50 felines that live permanently in its two sanctuaries.
This is the organization's fourth collaboration with the North Bay and District Humane Society, which previously took in about 250 rescues from Thunder Bay.
"We do not have the foster homes or enough potential adopters to keep these cats here in Thunder Bay. We have a wonderful relationship with NBHS, which has allowed us to send kittens across Ontario to find their forever homes," says Cathy Gordon, the vice-president of Caring Hearts.
Gordon also said her organization can't afford the veterinary costs for all of the animals it's taking in.
"In addition, with the challenges brought on by COVID-19, our local veterinarians are being overwhelmed with appointments, causing significant delays in scheduling vaccinations, neuters, etc. for our rescued cats."
She said the North Bay Humane Society has a veterinarian on staff, and can therefore facilitate care more easily.
The NBHS will transfer the 50 cats safely in its specially-equipped trailer.
Gordon described the collaborative effort to ship the animals as "enormous," saying it requires many hours of volunteer time to coordinate.
"It's an opportunity for these surrendered cats and kittens to be given the best opportunity to find a loving permanent home instead of being left as strays on the streets," she said.
