Kitten season is upon us, which means it’s the time of year when Ontario SPCA animal centres see an increase in the number of feline families, pregnant cats and litters of orphaned kittens come into their care.
During this busy time at Ontario SPCA animal centres across the province, our staff and volunteers are focused on helping these tiny feline friends and their moms thrive. It can sometimes mean sleepless nights, round-the-clock bottle feeding, veterinary appointments and all the usual care that comes with keeping cats and kittens happy and healthy.
Kitten season might begin in the spring, but it doesn’t typically peak until the late summer months.
Foster families save lives
When a pregnant cat comes into our care, we try to place her in a foster home wherever possible. This gives mom a quiet, comfortable space to have her babies. As her kittens grow, that one-on-one time with their foster family in a home environment helps socialize them and prepare them for the day when they will be adopted into their loving home.
Fostering kittens is a big job, especially when it comes to caring for orphaned kittens who need constant care and feeding. Without a mother, they depend on their foster family for everything.
To help set our foster families up for success, we send them home with all the supplies they will need to care for their feline family. Our animal centres are in regular contact with the foster families to help ensure things go smoothly. The kittens come back to our animal centres every two weeks to be weighed, and so we can administer any de-worming or vaccinations needed at that time.
Learn more about becoming a foster volunteer
Preventing kitten season
Spaying and neutering animals is the key to reducing the number of homeless cats and kittens that come into our animal centres. To put it in perspective, one female cat is capable of producing as many as 120 kittens in her lifetime!
You can help reduce pet overpopulation by speaking to your veterinarian about having your cat spayed or neutered. To learn more about the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s spay/neuter services, visit ontariospca.ca/spayneuter
Already have your pets spayed or neutered? Thank you! Please consider “Spaying it forward” by making a donation to cover the cost of a spay or neuter surgery for an animal in our care.
Pet Valu cat cabins
Through its Companions for Change program, Pet Valu generously provides a $180,000* sponsorship for the Ontario SPCA’s Cat Cabin Program which supplies cat cabins to the felines in our care.
These cabins offer cats and kittens enrichment and a place where they can hide, which helps them to feel more comfortable in an unfamiliar environment. Available in two themed designs – Cabin in the Meow-tains and Miami Beach– each cabin has a flat perch-like surface on top of the enclosed cabin area, so cats can sit off the floor which helps them feel secure. Kittens also enjoy playing in the cat cabins, particularly climbing and chasing each other through the two entrances
When a cat is adopted from the Ontario SPCA, their same cat cabin can be brought home with them. Once home, adopters are encouraged to reassemble the cabin, as it has the cat’s scent on it and helps ease their transition into their new home by offering a familiar place to perch, sleep, and hide. This brings a familiar piece of furniture with them, making the transition to a new home easier.
If you’ve been thinking of welcoming a furry friend into your family, visit our adoption page at ontariospca.ca/adopt to see cats and kittens available for adoption.
*Pet Valu provides this amount over the full term of the agreement.
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Stouffville, ON (April 3, 2025) – The clock is ticking, and the jackpot is climbing! With just one week left before the April 10 Grand Prize Draw, time is running out to get in on the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s Spring Draws for Paws 50/50 Lottery for your chance to win big.
The jackpot has already reached $83,000, and the more tickets sold, the bigger it grows—don’t let this life-changing opportunity slip through your paws!
Tickets are selling fast at ontariospcalottery.ca Starting at only $10, there’s a ticket package for every budget.
- $10 for 10 tickets
- $20 for 40 tickets
- $40 for 200 tickets
- $75 for 500 tickets
Last fall’s 50/50 winner walked away with more than $142,000—will you be the next lucky animal lover to cash in? Even if you’re not the lucky top dog taking home the Grand Prize, you’re still a winner in the eyes of animals in need. Every ticket purchased supports animal welfare initiatives across Ontario.
Fetch your tickets now at ontariospcalottery.ca before it’s too late!
Lottery License No. RAF1446521
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Note to producers/editors: B-roll footage is available at https://youtu.be/NqjJct00Wco
MEDIA CONTACT
Media Relations
Ontario SPCA and Humane Society
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The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is a registered charity that has been changing the lives of animals for over 150 years. The Society provides care, comfort and compassion to animals in need in communities across Ontario. It values all animals and advocates to treat them with respect and kindness. The Society strives to keep pets and families together and does so through a variety of community support services, such as sheltering and adoptions, including emergency sheltering, feral cat management programs, animal transfers, food distribution, humane education, animal advocacy, and spay/neuter services.
The Ontario SPCA does not receive annual government funding and relies on donations to provide programs and services to help animals in need. To learn more, or to donate, visit ontariospca.ca. Charitable Business # 88969-1044-RR0002.
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Provincial Office sits on the traditional territory of the Wendat, the Anishinabek Nation, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Mississaugas of Scugog, Hiawatha and Alderville First Nations and the Métis Nation. This territory was the subject of the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement between the Iroquois Confederacy and the Ojibwe and allied nations to peaceably share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes. The treaties that were signed for this particular parcel of land are collectively referred to as the Williams Treaties of 1923.
Spring has arrived! This means a lot of outdoor fun and playtime for you and your furry friend! While this is an exciting time of year, let’s not forget about the importance of seasonal care for your pet. This includes routine veterinary visits for preventative care, such as flea and tick prevention.
Thanks to a partnership between the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society and Vetster, an additional level of care for the animals at our centres is just a click away. Vetster provides on-demand online veterinary appointments by connecting pet parents to thousands of licensed veterinarians through video chat appointments 24/7. Here are some commonly asked questions you may have about this service and how it could benefit your animals.
What is Vetster?
Vetster is a veterinary telemedicine company that provides on-demand online veterinary appointments by connecting pet parents to thousands of licensed veterinarians through video chat appointments 24/7.
Can it be used for emergencies?
For life-threatening emergencies, please proceed to your nearest emergency veterinary hospital.
Are the vets licensed in Canada?
Vetster is available across Canada. Simply search for a licensed veterinarian or veterinary technician by province on vetster.com
What kind of health conditions can Vetster treat?
Vetster has thousands of veterinary professionals ready to assist you with your health or medical concerns, 24 hours a day. Online prescriptions may also be available at the discretion of the treating veterinarian.
How does the Ontario SPCA use Vetster to help animals?
Vetster provides an additional level of care for the animals at Ontario SPCA animal centres. The Vetster service is designed to complement routine veterinary care.
Ontario SPCA foster volunteers will also have free access to the service. Plus, Ontario SPCA adopters receive one complimentary appointment to ensure they’re off to a great start in their new life together.
Animals who have undergone spay/neuter surgery through our spay/neuter services, including the SPCA Mobile Animal Wellness Services unit, will have access to a virtual care appointment post-surgery at no cost to their family.
To learn more about this service and if it could be a good fit for your furry family, visit vetster.com
For more than 150 years, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society has been at the heart of changing the lives of animals in need. Our mission is to keep pets and families together, and we do so through a variety of community support services. Whether through pet food distribution, spay/neuter clinics, or collaboration with Northern communities, we are dedicated to helping animals and the people who love them.
Thanks to your support, 2024 was a year brimming with impactful moments for animals and excitement in communities across Ontario! Here’s a closer look at the ways you have helped us change the lives of animals.
Pet food distribution
Last year, the Ontario SPCA distributed a total of 367,239 lbs of pet food to community food banks and partners, including 64,750 lbs to partners in Northern Ontario. This food distribution has provided 961,534 meals in total, helping 89,635 animals.
This represents a 39% increase in the amount of pet food the Ontario SPCA has distributed to food banks year over year. This means more happy and full furry bellies thanks to the support from our corporate partners, donors and volunteers.
Northern outreach
In the North, we work with remote communities where access to basic pet services is often limited. In 2024, we supported 32 communities across Northern Ontario with pet food, supplies, spay/neuter and animal rehoming initiatives.
Through 10 trips, totalling over 23,504 km, we were able to transfer 225 animals (including 184 cats and 41 dogs) to regions where families were waiting to adopt. We also distributed 64,750 lbs of pet food, which equates to153,946 meals.
Spay/neuter clinics
Preventing pet overpopulation is a core focus, and our spay/neuter programs are vital in this effort. In total, 9,276 spay/neuter procedures were completed in 2024, preventing an estimated 539,120 potentially unwanted offspring. This includes procedures at our Stouffville and Barrie clinics, where 6,905 procedures were performed, preventing 392,240 potentially unwanted puppies and kittens.
Additionally, our MASH-style clinics performed 714 procedures, preventing 51,040 unwanted offspring, and our Mobile Animal Wellness Services unit performed 896 surgeries, preventing an estimated 52,160 potentially unwanted animals. Through these efforts, we’re reducing the number of potentially homeless animals, while also making spay/neuter services more accessible to underserved communities
Basic veterinary services
The Ontario SPCA also provides a range of basic veterinary services for families without the means to take their animal to a local veterinarian for routine care to ensure pets remain happy and healthy. Last year, 968 physical exams were conducted at our Barrie and Stouffville clinics. These clinics also administered 1,761 vaccines, 79 microchips, and provided 294 subsidized appointments, all part of our commitment to keeping pets with their families.
Animal care and adoption
Last year, we saw a significant increase in the number of animals finding loving homes at our 12 animal centres across the province. A total of 5,721 animals were adopted—an impressive 25% increase over the previous year. This includes 1,720 dogs, 3,774 cats, and 227 small animals. We’ve also reunited 820 lost animals with their families.
Humane education
As part of our ongoing efforts to promote animal welfare, we reached over 13,235 students through our AnimalSmart™ program. We delivered 603 presentations, including the launch of our new theme, “Animals in Our Community”, which was delivered to 17 classrooms. These programs are shaping the future generation of animal advocates, teaching them the importance of empathy, compassion, and responsible pet parenting.
Continued growth and outreach
Our goal is to ensure every animal has the chance to live a happy, healthy life, and with your help, we can achieve even more in 2025.
As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA depends on the generosity of donors to make these programs and services possible. Together, we’re making a real difference in the lives of animals and the people who care for them. Please consider donating today.
Resource guarding, also known as “possessive aggression,” occurs when a dog displays protective behaviours over items they consider valuable. This behaviour can include food, toys, or even people. It’s a natural behaviour rooted in their ancestral need to protect resources. While some dogs may have a genetic predisposition to resource guarding, it can also be learned through experiences.
Resource guarding becomes problematic when dogs exhibit these behaviours towards people or other pets in a home or other environments. It’s crucial to work with a qualified trainer or certified behaviour consultant to modify resource guarding behaviours e ectively. Remember, resource guarding stems from fear and dogs do not comprehend why their behaviour may be inappropriate. It can worsen in the presence of other animals or unfamiliar people.
Signs include:
- Stiff body posture or hovering over an item
- Whale eye (whites of the eyes showing)
- Ears pinned back or to the side
- Showing teeth or lip licking
- Growling, snarling, or snapping
- Moving to block access to the item or food
When guarding food, dogs may eat quickly, snatch food, or jab at their bowl. With toys or other items, they may hide or move away with the item, pin it down, or cover it.
The “do’s” and “don’ts”:
- Don’t: attempt to take items from your dog when they display guarding behaviours. Instead, “trade up” by o ering something of higher value and then safely remove the item.
- Don’t: punish your dog for resource guarding. Instead, try to understand that they are fearful, not malicious, when displaying these behaviours.
- Do: feed your dog away from people or other animals and avoid putting your hands near their food while they eat. If necessary, toss high value treats into their bowl from a distance.
- Do: keep known or suspected guarded items out of reach to prevent conflicts.
Understanding and addressing resource guarding in dogs requires patience and understanding. By working closely with a certified behaviour consultant, you can develop strategies to modify these behaviours positively. Remember, resource guarding is rooted in fear, and creating a safe and supportive environment for your dog is essential. With proper guidance and empathy, you can help your dog feel more secure and reduce instances of resource guarding.
If this information was helpful, please help us continue to educate about pet health and well-being by making a donation. As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA and Humane depends on the generosity of donors to change the lives of animals in need.
Last year, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society joined forces with community partners to help make a significant impact in Northern Ontario. With a focus on animal transfers, pet food distribution, and wellness clinics, we collaborated to improve the lives of animals in remote communities.
As we move forward in 2025, our commitment to Northern outreach remains stronger than ever. We kicked off 2025 with four animal transfers, marking the organization’s continued commitment to helping animals in the North.
2024 Northern outreach impact
In 2024, the Ontario SPCA successfully transported 225 animals, including 184 cats and 41 dogs, from Northern communities to areas where families were eager to adopt. These transfers are part of our ongoing efforts to address pet overpopulation, which remains a pressing issue in Northern Ontario due to limited access to basic animal wellness services, including spay/neuter procedures.
Throughout the year, the Ontario SPCA supported 32 communities with vital resources, including 64,750 lbs of pet food, which provided 153,946 meals for animals in need. In total, 10 trips were made, covering 23,504 kilometers to provide support to these communities.
“Your contribution is not only providing essential nutrition to pets but also bringing a sense of hope to those who may be struggling to care for their beloved animals,” says Jonathan Kenny, Animal Control Officer, Lac Seul First Nation Animal Control Department. “We are proud to partner with such a dedicated and compassionate organization, and we look forward to continuing this positive relationship.”
Spay/neuter initiatives
We are also making strides in our spay/neuter initiatives. The Ontario SPCA Mobile Animal Wellness Services unit remained stationed in Sudbury to provide accessible spay/neuter and basic veterinary services in the North. The unit alone performed 896 spay/neuter surgeries, preventing an estimated 52,160 potentially unwanted offspring.
Additionally, we held MASH (Mobile Animal Sterilization Hospital) clinics in four First Nations communities: Lac Seul First Nation, Constance Lake First Nation, Akwesasne, and Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation, in partnership with the United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising.
“This spay/neuter and wellness clinic has been a great opportunity for the United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising First Nation Communities. This was much needed for our communities to assist with the control of our pet population,” says Zachary Corbiere, By-Law Enforcement Officer, United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising.
Together, a total of 204 cats and dogs were spayed or neutered at these events, preventing an estimated 8,560 unplanned puppies and kittens.
First Northern animal transfers of 2025
At the beginning of February, the Ontario SPCA welcomed 10 dogs from Lac Seul First Nation, located northeast of Dryden. These dogs made the long, nearly 2,000-kilometre journey to find loving homes through the Ontario SPCA.
Seven of these dogs found a new start at the Ontario SPCA Leeds & Grenville Animal Centre in Brockville, while the other three were sent to the Humane Society of Durham Region for adoption.
Less than two weeks later, another group of 14 Northern dogs arrived from Northern Ontario, finding loving homes at the Ontario SPCA York Region Animal Centre, Ontario SPCA Orangeville & District Animal Centre and the Humane Society of Durham Region. The Ontario SPCA worked with community partners, Northern Reach Rescue Network and Lucky Mutts Dog Club, to ensure these dogs found loving homes.
“We are thrilled to welcome these wonderful dogs from the North,” says Arista Wogenstahl, Northern Regional Manager at the Ontario SPCA. “By working together with Northern communities, we can provide these animals with the second chance they deserve.”
Looking ahead
The Ontario SPCA’s continued work in the North, including animal transfers, pet food distribution, and wellness and spay/neuter clinics, is helping bridge the gap in animal welfare services and ensuring that pets in Northern communities can thrive.
By partnering with local communities and organizations, we are making a lasting impact in Northern Ontario, one animal at a time. The first two animal transfers of 2025 are just the beginning, and there is much more to come as we work to create brighter futures for animals in need.
As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society depends on the generosity of donors to provide these services. Please consider donating today to make life-changing work possible for animals across Ontario.
Anyone who has had an animal in their life can attest to the special bond that is formed with our furry friends. They give us unconditional love and companionship that enriches our lives in countless ways. Unfortunately, as with all living beings, they eventually reach the end of their life. Though this is an incredibly sad and difficult time for the families who love them, providing compassionate and supportive end-of-life care can ease an animal’s journey and help guide families through the process.
Understanding end-of-life care for pets
End-of-life care involves managing your animal’s comfort, dignity, and quality of life as they near their final days. The goal is to ensure that they experience as little pain or distress as possible. This can include pain management and adjustments to their environment.
Deciding when it’s time to say goodbye can be one of the most challenging decisions a pet parent ever faces. It’s a deeply personal choice, and there is no “right” time. With support from veterinarians, you can be assured that you’re making the best decision for your animal, based on their comfort and quality of life.
End-of-life care is about more than just medical intervention. It’s about providing your animal with love and comfort, while also seeking support for yourself and your family. We are here to help you, offering compassion, care, and resources to navigate this difficult experience.
Care at Ontario SPCA and Humane Society
At Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, we recognize that saying goodbye to a beloved animal is never easy. Through our community support services, the Ontario SPCA offers basic veterinary services in York Region, and Barrie for families without the means to take their animal to a local veterinarian for routine care.
The clinics provide physical examinations, vaccinations and microchipping. We also provide end-of-life care for animals who have reached the natural end of their life, and their family does not have a veterinarian to perform euthanasia to end their suffering. We know that this is an extremely difficult and emotional decision to make for your beloved pet, and we are here to support you in any way we can.
For more information on the services available, visit our Ontario SPCA Basic Veterinary Services page.
Pet loss support
The loss of a pet is a heartbreaking experience, and the grief that follows can be overwhelming. The Ontario Pet Loss Support Group provides a compassionate space for individuals and families to process their grief and find support during this difficult time.
Whether you need someone to talk to or a community to help you navigate your emotions, this pet loss support group can provide comfort and understanding. Learn more about the group and how it can support you on your journey through grief.
Losing an animal is devastating at any age, but it can be especially difficult for children. Pets are often their best friends and share an intimate space in their lives. While everyone deals with grief differently, the one thing that brings comfort for many is sharing stories and memories of their beloved pet. Through the Ontario SPCA’s AnimalSmart™ program, we offer a pet loss support guide for kids that is free to download from our website.
The love we share with our pets leaves an imprint on our hearts, and saying goodbye is never easy. However, by providing compassionate care during their final days and seeking support, we can honour their lives in the most loving way possible. At the Ontario SPCA, we are here to help guide you through this difficult journey, offering resources, support, and understanding every step of the way.
Teaching your dog “leave it” redirects their focus when they are interested in items they shouldn’t be, and it assists with impulse control. It can be an incredibly beneficial skill that can help keep dogs safe from potentially dangerous items they may encounter, such as toxic substances, or harmful foods. It discourages behaviours like scavenging, chewing on inappropriate objects, or chasing things that could lead to injury or trouble. The cue can also be applied in various contexts beyond just objects, such as ignoring other animals, refraining from jumping on people, or not pulling on the leash.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6’ leash
- Treat pouch, or bag of bite-sized treats
- High and medium value treats
- Clicker (optional)
Steps:
- With the dog in front of you, load both hands with treats. One will be your distraction hand and the other your reward hand. The clicker can be in your reward hand.
- Hold your closed hand, or distraction hand, outwards to the dog with the treats inside.
- The dog will likely investigate your fist through sniffing, pawing, licking, or trying to nibble. Wait quietly until the dog stops and moves their nose away from your fist. The instant the dog moves away, mark the behaviour with a click or “Yes” and reward by dropping a treat on the ground in front of the dog from your other hand, or the reward hand.
- Continue with steps 1 to 4 several times until the dog starts to leave the treated hand on their own.
- Once the dog starts to reliably leave the closed hand, or avoids it without investigating, you can add the verbal cue “Leave it” with the treat. Remember to say the cue as soon as the dog refrains and then mark the behaviour with a click or “Yes” and reward from the opposite hand.
Increasing difficulty
- Try switching hands.
- Change the value of the food you’re using.
- Try the same steps but, with an open hand, closing it if the dog goes for it.
If the dog continues to mouth and jump at the treated hand, stop the training session and allow for some time for the dog to burn off excessive energy before attempting the training exercise again. If you require assistance, contact a professional trainer or behaviour consultant.
If this information was helpful, please help us continue to educate about pet health and well-being by making a donation. As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA depends on the generosity of donors to change the lives of animals in need.
Adopting a new dog or cat is very exciting. That furry friend you’re giving a second chance to becomes a friend and member of your family. But before you bring your dog or cat home, there are a few things you should do to make sure you are prepared for your new life together.
Before you pick up your dog, prepare supplies and dog-proof your home
Pick up food, food and water bowls, toys, a collar, a leash, blankets, and a dog crate, if crate training is part of your plan You’ll also want to dog-proof your home. Pick kids’ toys up off the floor, and make sure areas you don’t want your dog venturing into are blocked off (baby gates work well). Open up spaces with a floor that’s easy to clean while your dog gets used to routine, or if you’ve adopted a puppy or dog who still is working on house-training.
Always do your research into the type of dog you are getting to make sure their needs are met when they come into your home. If you’re adopting from the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, you can also ask advice from our adoption coordinators!
Get your dog acclimatized to your home and new people
Before bringing your dog inside your home, take them outside for a long walk so they can burn off some energy. It’s also a good idea to keep treats in your pocket if you meet new people on your walk. This way they’ll learn making new friends gets them rewards.
When introducing them to the inside, it can be a good idea to walk them directly to their space/bed and reward them, so they know that is their area. Then allow them to explore the house at their own pace.
Figure out a sleep routine
Start by assessing how your dog is adjusting to their new environment. If they’re confident, they may enjoy having full run of the house. Some dogs may like having their own sleep space, as bonding and getting used to a new environment can take time. Introducing a crate with bedding and toys in this situation can make them feel more comfortable.
Before you pick up your cat, prepare supplies and choose a room for them
Pick up food, food and water bowls, blankets, toys, a scratching post, litter, a litterbox, and treats you can put into one room for the first few days. A new home can be overwhelming – smaller spaces make cats feel more comfortable. A good idea is to set them up in their own room and give them time to adjust to that space initially. This can help ease the transition to the new environment. You should also make sure their litterbox isn’t placed right next to their food and water bowls.
Help your cat adjust and feel comfortable
Those toys and blankets you bought to prepare for your cat’s arrival help them feel comfortable. Lots of nice blankets give them options to hide under. You can also get a cat tree so they can get up higher in the room and entertain themselves by looking outside. Take it slow. Let your cat acclimatize to the room, and as they get more comfortable with their space, you can open up the rest of your home.
Let your cat sleep in their designated room at night
Remember, bonding can take time. By letting your cat sleep in their designated room the first week, they start to feel comfortable, and may either continue to sleep there, or join you in your room. You can also reward your cat with treats when they come greet you to start to build that bond.
By doing all of these things, you can help ensure your dog or cat’s first week at home goes smoothly. For dogs, you can also seek out a trainer who uses positive reinforcement. If you’ve already got another animal at home, find out all you need to know about animal introductions.
Adjusting to a new home can be a frightening and anxious experience for any cat, particularly if there is already a resident cat in the home who may also be stressed by the changes. Below are some tips and tricks to help your adopted cat to accept – and be accepted by – the rest of your furry family. We’ll also share tips to help your resident cat feel more comfortable with the transition as well.
Important notes
Don’t be discouraged if your new and resident cat(s) do not become immediate friends. It can take many cats eight to 12 months to develop a friendship. Others may never become friends and simply learn to live together comfortably.
While there is no definitive way to determine whether your cat will get along with a particular animal, often the cats that adjust easiest are those who have previously with other animals.
Regardless of the age or background of the cat you’ve adopted, they should be introduced to other animals gradually to help encourage appropriate and positive interactions. Prior to bringing a new cat home, check with your veterinarian to ensure all your resident pets are healthy. Your new addition to the family should also receive a clean bill of health before you bring them home.
Note: Keep in mind that while some cats will be able to breeze through each step after a short time, other cats will require longer at each step before they are able to take the introductions further. Be patient and allow your cat the freedom to move through each step at his or her own comfort level.
Step one: Creating a good first impression
During the early stages of the introduction period, it’s important that your new and resident cats can smell and hear one another but not touch. Introducing a sanctuary space to the new cat and ensuring your resident cat also has safe spaces can be very important. To prevent accidental face-to-face confrontations, keep your new cat in a medium-sized room or “sanctuary space” with their food, water, litter box and a bed. Plan for your cat’s arrival by ensuring your resident animals are temporarily separated until your new cat is in their room.
To help your furry friends associate positive experiences with one another, start feeding their meals on either side of the door to this room so they are in proximity. At first, their dishes should be placed at least a few feet apart on each side. If they remain calm, gradually move the dishes closer until they can eat comfortably standing directly on either side of the door. If either animal has a negative reaction, move the dishes further apart and repeat the process at a slower pace.
Allowing your furry friends to gradually become accustomed to each other’s scents is an important part of the introduction process. You can do this scent exchange by rubbing a towel on your new addition and putting it under the food dishes of the resident pets (and vice versa). You can also switch beds or sleeping blankets between your resident animals and your new cat.
Once these methods have been used to familiarize your animals with each other’s scents, and your new cat is eating regularly and using their litter box, move to the next step.
Step two: Allowing for sight introductions
Once you’ve returned your animals to their original designated parts of the house you can start the visual process. Use two doorstops to prop open the dividing door enough to allow your new and resident furry friends to see each other while eating. Do this supervised to ensure they do not interact directly. Over a period of days (or longer if necessary) try feeding your animals at a distance from the door.
You can gradually bring the dishes closer together if all cats display calm behaviours. Continue the scent swapping throughout. If either cat begins to display fear or aggression, attempt to distract them with higher value food or play and try again later at a further distance. Close the door when you are not there to supervise and ensure to remove all food.
Step three: Making the introductions (cat-to-cat)
When you first allow your cats to meet each other face-to-face, keep your resident cat distracted with play, food or pets and allow the other cat to enter the room. If you have two people, have the second person do the same. If either animal becomes fearful or aggressive, distract them away from each other or separate them, and start back at step one taking small, gradual steps forward again.
Continue to do small sessions together daily and slowly increase the amount of time the cats are together, using distraction when possible if they become uncomfortable.
When the cats are actively spending time together you can begin to allow them freedom when supervised, being sure to watch for fearful behaviours. Slowly allow them more time together until they can be left alone. If you are having issues with introductions, separate your pets and contact your veterinarian or a positive reinforcement-based animal behaviour expert immediately for assistance.
To help ease the adjustment period for your cats, ensure that you have one extra litter box than there are cats (e.g. two cats = three litter boxes).This helps keep the resident pets’ schedules close to what they were before the newcomer’s arrival and helps prevent out-of-box elimination that may occur with sharing of litter boxes.
For tips on making cat-to-dog introductions, visit our blog here!
If this information was helpful, please help us continue to educate about pet health and well-being by making a donation. As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society depends on the generosity of donors to change the lives of animals in need.
When Lily arrived at the Ontario SPCA Sudbury & District Animal Centre with her eight puppies, one thing was clear: she had given everything for them.
The puppies, though tiny, were in perfect health—adorable, plump, with shiny fur and squeaky little voices. But Lily, their brave and exhausted mama, was barely clinging to life.
She was extremely emaciated, with ribs visible beneath her stretched fur, hip bones jutting out, and a spine that protruded in jagged lumps along her back. Her condition was a testament to just how much she had sacrificed to care for her puppies.
Community member goes above and beyond
But Lily wasn’t alone in her struggle. Jean, a compassionate resident from Wikwemikong, an unceded First Nation on Manitoulin Island, shared the same fierce love for animals. Jean knew that Lily needed urgent help, but the challenges in her community were immense. There were no local animal centres, and the nearest veterinarian was 45 minutes away. The lack of accessible veterinary care meant that animals in the area often went unspayed and unneutered, leading to overpopulation and more animals than people could care for.
Determined to make a difference, Jean regularly took matters into her own hands, using her resources to drive animals from her community to the Sudbury & District Animal Centre.
Jean had been working hard to care for Lily and her puppies in Wikwemikong, but the situation was dire. The furry family needed more than she could offer. So, she took them to the Sudbury & District Animal Centre where they could receive the medical care and attention they desperately needed.
A happy ending for Lily and her pups
Lily and her puppies flourished in our care. We immediately started feeding Lily every two hours and closely monitored her recovery. Slowly, her fur thickened, her body began to fill out, and she regained her strength. When she wasn’t caring for her pups, Lily enjoyed snuggling with her animal care team and even went on walks to soak up the attention.
Today, Lily, now called Peaches, has made a full recovery. No longer emaciated and exhausted, Peaches enjoys belly rubs, treats, and playing with her favourite toys. She is now living in her forever home, where she’s a beloved lap dog, snuggling up with her new family and living the life she always deserved.
Lily’s story is a reminder of the profound impact that compassionate people can have on animals in need.
As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society depends on the generosity of donors to help animals like Lily and her puppies. If you were touched by her story, please consider donating today.
Spring is here! With that comes more outdoor time with our furry friends, which also means it’s time to plan a visit to their veterinarian for a spring checkup. It is important your animal companions are up to date heading into this new season to keep them safe and healthy.
What spring pet checkups can look like
Beyond vaccinations, additional health care during a routine checkup may include a dental examination, clipping nails, testing for heartworm and/or resuming a heartworm prevention program. Flea and tick prevention is also important.
The veterinarian may also want to assess your animal’s overall health, such as body condition. It’s also a great opportunity to mention any behaviour your furry family member has exhibited that you have questions about. This could be a change in activity level, decreased alertness, persistent scratching of a body part – anything that may be unusual for your animal.
Vaccinations are the key to prevention
If your animal will be exposed to other animals on a regular basis (such as in a dog park or boarding kennel), you may want to consider additional preventative vaccinations or flea control.
There are a variety of diseases that companion animals can be vaccinated against. Vaccines have been proven to be the simplest, safest and most effective way of protecting our furry friend from disease. Your veterinarian will be able to determine which vaccines are necessary for your animal. Your geographic location and your furry family member’s exposure to wildlife and other domestic animals can impact their risk and are factored into a veterinarian’s recommendations.
Routine care for a happy, healthy future
It is important to note that preventative health care is the best kind of health care. Avoiding or delaying routine veterinary checks or vaccines could cause major health problems down the road, as well as extremely costly emergency vet care.
A useful tool is to have a record of your animal’s health care, which includes a list of vaccinations as well as dates administered, any trips to the vets and any illnesses or medications prescribed by your veterinarian. It can be also helpful to keep track of your animal’s weight and current diet, as the information can be extremely helpful down the road if your furry friend becomes ill.
It is very important to have a health care routine for your animal to keep them happy and healthy for years to come. If your furry friend hasn’t been to their veterinarian recently, now is the time to make an appointment. Preventative health care is important, and your furry friend will thank you for it!
If this information was helpful, please help us continue to educate about pet health and well-being by making a donation. As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society depends on the generosity of donors to change the lives of animals in need.