Page 25 – Ontario SPCA

As a cat parent, it can be frustrating coming home to a couch that’s been scratched up, or a new rug that has some more loose threads than it used to.

Remember, cats don’t know the difference between what’s okay to scratch and what’s off limits, but with some training they can learn to scratch appropriate targets.

Uses of cat’s claws

Hunting: Cats are natural hunters. Their retractable claws provide them with traction while running and help them catch and hold onto their prey. If you watch the way your cat plays with its toys, you can see that while your indoor cat doesn’t need to hunt for its next meal, the practice of hunting and chasing is still an instinctual part of your cat’s behaviour.

Stretching: Being able to grip items, like your carpet, allows your cat to twist and stretch the full length of its body, which is not only a good form of exercise, but it’s also a great source of enjoyment for your cat.

Climbing: A cat’s claws are curved to help climb up trees and other surfaces to get to safety. For indoor cats, their claws allow them to grip items such as cat trees or furniture, so they don’t fall or slip.

Leaving their scent: When cats scratch an item, they leave behind a special scent produced from glands on their paws. This allows a cat to leave its signature behind as a message to other cats.

Protecting themselves: A cat’s claws act as a method of self-defense when faced with a predator. While indoor cats have little need to defend themselves, their claws still offer the security of knowing they have a form of protection. Cats also use their claws to communicate certain messages, for example swatting to communicate the need for distance.

Managing your cat’s claws

You can talk to your vet for helpful tips, like keeping your pet’s nails trimmed, placing scratching posts near where your cat naps, and meeting the daily play and exercise needs of your fur baby.

Check out our blog for tips to prevent your cat from scratching furniture and tips for trimming your cat’s nails.

Scratching is a perfectly natural practice for your cat and serves several healthy functions. By understanding your cat’s motivation for scratching and providing options for this behaviour, plus lots of play time, praise and treats when they don’t scratch the furniture, your wonderful feline companion and your furniture can co-exist.

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.

Have you ever been eating a meal and your dog has begged for food? Or perhaps you’ve dropped something on the floor while cooking and your furry friend has made a dash to try and eat it. Many common foods can be quite harmful for our animal family members. Here’s what you need to know to keep your furry friend safe.

Foods to keep away from your dog

Are you cooking with garlic or onions? Or snacking on grapes as a healthy alternative to chips while watching TV? From avocado skin to artificial sweeteners, here are 10 foods to avoid giving your dog:

Artificial sweetener – Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in chewing gum, sugar-free peanut butter, toothpaste and other products and is toxic to dogs.
Alcohol – Did you know a dog’s kidneys can’t process alcohol effectively, leading to health problems?
Caffeine – Even a small amount can be dangerous can cause your dog to become hyperactive or have tremors.
Chocolate – The theobromine in chocolate is highly toxic to dogs. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate have the highest concentrations of theobromine, making them even more dangerous.
Fried and fatty foods – Aside from obesity and health related problems, fried and fatty foods can also cause stomach upset and can contribute to pancreatitis in some dogs.
Garlic and onions – A staple in many kitchens, garlic and onions are toxic to dogs. Cooked or raw, they can damage red blood cells, resulting in anemia.
Grapes and raisins – Acute and sudden kidney failure can occur in dogs who consume grapes and raisins.
Nuts – Macadamia nuts are highly poisonous to dogs and can lead to the inability to walk, as well as vomiting, lethargy and tremors. Other nut species should also be avoided as their size makes them a choking hazard for many dogs, plus they are high in fat, which can lead to an upset stomach.
Avocados – The flesh of this fruit isn’t the culprit. It’s the skin, pit and leaves from avocados that can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.
Milk, cream and cheese – As dogs reach adulthood, they lack the enzymes needed to digest dairy products. Just like humans, they can suffer from lactose intolerance, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea and an upset stomach. Plus, some dairy products contain Xylitol, which is toxic.

What about cats? Here’s what you need to know to keep your feline friends safe.

If you think that your furry friend has eaten something they shouldn’t, contact your veterinarian immediately to seek advice.

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.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Stouffville, ON (Feb. 24, 2025) – The sweetest day of the year has finally arrived! Cupcake Day for the Ontario SPCA is today, and it’s your opportunity to indulge in cupcakes to help animals in need.

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is rallying all cupcake heroes to enjoy a cupcake today and donate to raise some dough to help animals in need. Whether you’re whipping up homemade cupcakes, spoiling your pup with some “pupcakes,” or treating yourself at your favourite local bakery, every bite makes a difference. Simply enjoy a cupcake today and visit cupcakeday.ca to donate to your local Ontario SPCA animal centre.

As a registered charity that does not receive government funding, the Ontario SPCA depends on the generosity of donors to help animals in need. By taking part in Cupcake Day, you are providing urgently needed care and shelter for animals waiting to find a loving home.

“Cupcake Day is all about having fun while making a difference,” says Stephanie Miller, Vice President, Development, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Every cupcake you share and every donation made at cupcakeday.ca helps animals in need get the care and love they deserve.”

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s raise some dough to help animals in need! Visit cupcakeday.ca to donate.

MEDIA CONTACT

Media Relations

Ontario SPCA and Humane Society

905-898-7122 x 375

[email protected]

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.

On a frigid winter’s night, Korra’s story nearly ended tragically inside a dumpster in an Ajax alleyway.

Instead, thanks to a good Samaritan, the team at the Humane Society of Durham Region, along with caring volunteers and her adopter, Korra’s life has forever changed for the better.

“It was 20 degrees below – the kind of air that makes your lungs hurt,” says Shannon Stephenson, Manager of the Humane Society of Durham Region. “The folks in Durham believe in helping vulnerable people and animals alike, so the warming centre in Ajax was open for anyone who needed a warm place to sleep – including their four-legged friends.”

One of the shelter staff went outside to check if anyone was waiting to come in. He was about to go back inside when he heard a soft whimper that chilled him even more than the cold. He followed the sound to a dumpster on a neighbouring property. He shone his flashlight inside and noticed with horror that one of the garbage bags was wriggling. He hoisted the bag out of the dumpster and untied it. There he found a three-month-old puppy, freezing cold and shaking with fear.

He immediately held the puppy to his chest and rushed back inside the warming centre.

“Other workers and guests gathered around, contributing blankets and even their jackets to help the freezing pup,” says Shannon.

In the morning, Korra was taken to the Humane Society of Durham Region. As soon as she arrived, she received a complete veterinary examination.

“Thankfully, she’d been rescued from the dumpster in the nick of time and received a clean bill of health,” says Shannon. “This sweet, energetic pup soon won the hearts of all the staff at the animal centre.”

It wasn’t long before Korra also won the heart of her adopter, Tamara.

“Korra has changed my life,” says Tamara. “She’s a wonderful companion who is always excited to see me – even if I was only gone five minutes. She’s a very caring, outgoing dog who loves to bond with other dogs at the park and get pats from everyone.”

From the cusp of tragedy to a life forever changed for the better, Korra’s story personifies the value of the work that the Ontario SPCA and partnering humane societies does for animals in need every day across the province.

As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, please consider donating today to help ensure we can be there for animals like Korra who end up on our doorstep in urgent need of care.

Essential oils are a popular natural remedy for many people, offering benefits ranging from stress relief to enhanced sleep. However, there’s a lot of confusion about whether they’re safe to use when it comes to our furry friends. Pets, especially cats and dogs, can have different sensitivities compared to humans, so it’s crucial to understand which oils are safe, how to use them, and what risks are involved.

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that capture the natural aroma of various plants. They can be used in aromatherapy, massage, and even household cleaning. While they offer benefits for humans, they can have a different effect on pets.

Take proper precautions

Animals have much stronger senses of smell than humans. While humans may be able to tolerate strong scents, essential oils can overwhelm a pet’s sensitive nose. Additionally, the way pets metabolize essential oils is different from humans. Some oils that are harmless to humans can cause reactions in pets, ranging from mild discomfort to serious health concerns.

Not all essential oils are dangerous to pets, but many can be harmful if used incorrectly.

How to use them safely

Use a diffuser with caution: If you use a diffuser to disperse essential oils into the air, always ensure the area is well-ventilated. Keep your pets in a separate room while the diffuser is running and allow the oils to dissipate before allowing them back into the area.
Observe for reactions: Whenever introducing a new essential oil to your pet’s environment, keep an eye on them for any signs of discomfort. If they start showing symptoms like drooling, lethargy, or trouble breathing, stop using the oil immediately. If you suspect poisoning, contact your vet immediately.
Consult a veterinarian: Before using any essential oils around your pet, especially if they have a pre-existing condition, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian. Some oils may interact with medications, and not all pets react the same way.

Understanding which oils are safe and how to use them properly can help keep your home smelling wonderful while ensuring your pet’s health and safety. Always consult with your veterinarian if you’re unsure about using any specific oils around your pets to avoid any adverse effects.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Whitby, ON (February 20, 2025) – After they arrived in Durham Region last week, right in the nick of time before the winter storm, a group of Northern dogs from Lac Seul First Nation is now ready to find loving homes at the Humane Society of Durham Region.

The group of 10 dogs made the close to 2,000-kilometre trip from Lac Seul First Nation, located northeast of Dryden. This marks the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s first Northern animal transfer of the year, which brings animals in need of homes to areas of the province where families are waiting to adopt. The Leeds & Grenville Animal Centre welcomed seven of the dogs, while the other three will be adopted through the Humane Society of Durham Region.

“We are thrilled to welcome these wonderful dogs from the North,” says Arista Wogenstahl, Northern Regional Manager, Community Outreach Services, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “By working together with Northern communities, we can provide these animals with the second chance they deserve.”

Last year the Ontario SPCA transported 225 animals from Northern communities to find them loving homes, and it distributed 64,000 lbs of pet food in the North. It also partners with communities to reduce pet overpopulation through its MASH-style spay/neuter and wellness clinics.

Interested in adopting? Visit hsdr.org/adopt to see animals available for adoption. Animals adopted from the Ontario SPCA are spayed or neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and they go home with food from Royal Canin to help ensure a smooth transition into their new home.

If you can’t adopt a new furry friend, you can support animals in need by participating in Cupcake Day for the Ontario SPCA. The Humane Society of Durham Region is hosting a Cupcake Day bake sale at the animal centre, located at 1505 Wentworth Street in Whitby, on Feb. 22-23 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can help change the lives of animals in need by stopping by for a cupcake, donating, or hosting your own Cupcake Day party in support of the Humane Society of Durham Region. Visit cupcakeday.ca to raise some dough for animals in need.

Media Contact

Kayla Montes
Community Outreach Coordinator,
Humane Society of Durham Region
289-894-3404
[email protected]

The Humane Society of Durham Region

The Humane Society of Durham Region is a registered charity. For over 30 years, the HSDR has been dedicated to protecting and providing compassionate care for unwanted and abused animals in Durham Region until they find their forever homes. Committed to improving the lives of animals, HSDR provides education and resources to the community.

In August 2022, the HSDR formally joined the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society to combine the organizations. This will enable the HSDR to strengthen and grow the programs and community support services it provides to help animals and the families who love them.

The Humane Society of Durham Region acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, which is covered under the Williams Treaties. The HSDR is situated on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, which includes Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi.

At the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, ensuring that the animals in our care remain happy, healthy and calm while they wait for their loving forever home is our top priority. That’s why we decided to partner with Ceva Animal Health Canada for 2025! Ceva is the world leader in pet behaviour with two leading brands, FELIWAY® for cats and ADAPTIL® for dogs, which use pheromones to help cats and dogs remain calm in stressful situations. With the development of FELIWAY® and ADAPTIL®, Ceva opened the way to a completely new approach of feline and canine behaviour and well-being. These products can help comfort pets during stressful situations caused by modern lifestyles by mimicking the animal’s natural occurring pheromones.

To support the work of the Ontario SPCA, Ceva is not only donating products for use in each of the Ontario SPCA’s 12 animal centres, they are also donating products to support our community outreach efforts and our dog behaviour program. In addition, dogs and cats adopted from the Ontario SPCA in 2025 will also get a kit to take home, while supplies last, to help ensure a smooth transition into their new home.

Ceva’s commitment to animal wellness doesn’t stop there. Last fall, 40 Ceva employees came together to help us execute the largest feral cat shelter build ever! With 60 shelters built in just one day, the team at Ceva has ensured that community cats have a warm shelter this winter.

Learn more about our feral cat support program and how you can get involved.

Thank you to Ceva Animal Health Canada – your devotion to supporting animals in need is paw-some!

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Brockville, ON (Feb. 19, 2025) – After they arrived in Brockville last week, right in the nick of time before the winter storm, a group of Northern dogs from Lac Seul First Nation is now ready to find loving homes at the Ontario SPCA Leeds & Grenville Animal Centre.

Interested in adopting? Visit ontariospca.ca/leedsgrenville to see animals available for adoption. Animals adopted from the Ontario SPCA are spayed or neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and they go home with food from Royal Canin to help ensure a smooth transition into their new home.

If you can’t adopt a new furry friend, you can support animals in need by participating in Cupcake Day for the Ontario SPCA. The sweetest day of the year officially takes place on Feb. 24 and you can help change the lives of animals in need by donating, or hosting your own Cupcake Day party in support of the Leeds & Grenville Animal Centre. Visit cupcakeday.ca to raise some dough for animals in need.

MEDIA CONTACT

Katelyn Stojadinov

Community Outreach Coordinator, Ontario SPCA Leeds & Grenville Animal Centre

613-349-7575

[email protected]

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 do 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 Leeds & Grenville Animal Centre is situated on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cornwall, ON – (Feb. 18, 2025) – The Ontario SPCA Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Animal Centre is inviting the community to enjoy a sweet treat at their Cupcake Day Meet & Treat open house on Feb. 23 in support of animals like Twix.

Severely emaciated and suffering from wounds on his legs and ears, Twix arrived at the Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Animal Centre in desperate need of medical care, proper nutrition, and emotional rehabilitation. Weighing just 15 kg, significantly under the estimated healthy weight of 25kg for his size, Twix’s body condition score was a critical 1 out of 5 – quite literally skin and bones – when he arrived at the animal centre. Under careful supervision, Twix has been following a strict refeeding protocol to prevent refeeding syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. Thanks to the dedication of his caregivers, he is making steady progress and slowly gaining weight.

“Despite his challenging past, Twix is embracing his second chance at life,” reports Candice Gordon, Manager of the Ontario SPCA Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Animal Centre. “With each passing day, Twix grows stronger, both physically and emotionally. We’re hopeful he will be ready to find a loving home by the end of the month.”

You can be part of Twix’s recovery by attending the Cupcake Day Meet & Treat on Feb. 23 from 12 noon to 3 p.m. at the Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Animal Centre. Enjoy a delicious cupcake, meet adoptable animals, and make a donation to help provide shelter and care to animals like Twix. There will also be fun activities for the kids.

For more information about Cupcake Day, visit cupcakeday.ca

To learn more about the Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Animal Centre, and to view animals available for adoption, visit ontariospca.ca/sdg

Media Contact

Arianne Kirkey
Community Outreach Coordinator,
Ontario SPCA Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Animal Centre
(613) 937-7622
[email protected]

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society

The Ontario SPCA Stormont Dundas & Glengarry Animal Centre is located on the lands of the Akwesasne Mohawks and their ancestors. We also acknowledge the Algonquin, Haudenosaunee (Ho-den-oshow-nee) (Iroquois), Huron-Wendat (huron-wen·dat), and Abenaki who are neighbours and partners to the Akwesasne Mohawk.

It can be a scary and confusing experience for an animal who becomes lost, which makes reuniting them with their families even more rewarding! When a lost animal arrives in the care of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, we do everything we can to reunite that animal with their family.  

Did you know that the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society helped reunite over 820 lost animals with their families last year? Helping lost and found animals is one of the many community services we offer across Ontario.

When a lost animal arrives at one of the Ontario SPCA’s 12 animal centres across the province, animal care team members begin by examining the animal to ensure he or she hasn’t been injured and appears healthy. This process includes checking for a microchip, which is the first step in trying to reunite Fido or Fluffy with their family.

We always encourage caregivers to have their furry friends microchipped and to keep the contact information on file up to date. Doing so increases the chances of being reunited with your animal. Learn more about microchips.

Along with microchips, we also check for tags or other ID. Having a visible form of identification on your furry family member that can be easily spotted by a neighbour or someone who finds your pet can help get them home faster. If your contact information is visible, the finder can call you right away without having to find someone to scan for a microchip.

Sometimes reuniting lost animals requires having our finger on the pulse of the community. We work closely with local municipal animal control services to determine if any lost reports have been filed with them matching the description of the animal in our care.

We also turn to the power of social media. There are many community lost and found groups on the internet and on social media where our animal centres keep an eye on posts about lost animals. We also post stray animals who come into our care on our animal centre social media channels to help get the word out in the community.

Follow your local Ontario SPCA animal centre on social media for posts about lost and found animals. Find an Ontario SPCA animal centre in your area.

Wondering what to do if you find a lost animal? From how to check for identification, who to call, and additional steps you can take to spread the word, check our blog on What to do if you find a lost animal.

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. If this information was helpful, please consider donating today.

Candice Gordon is a familiar face at the Ontario SPCA Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Animal Centre, having joined the team two years ago as a Registered Veterinary Technician. Following the retirement of former centre manager, Carol Link, after 27 years with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, we are excited to announce that Candice has stepped up into the role!

A new start to help more animals

Candice, who lives locally on a hobby farm with her husband, two teenage daughters and four horses, began her career in private veterinary practice. Her desire to help even more animals in need led her to shelter medicine at the Ontario SPCA.

“I am honoured to be able to help these animals get the second chance they deserve, which is only possible thanks to generous donors, our hard-working team, amazing volunteers, and families who adopt and give these animals loving homes,” she says.

Last year, the Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Animal Centre adopted 448 animals, and Candice hopes to place even more into loving homes this year.

“But the Ontario SPCA is so much more than just an adoption organization,” Candice says.

Supporting animals in the community

In addition to providing shelter and care to animals through the Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Animal Centre, the Ontario SPCA also helps keep animals with the families who love them through its community support services.

Last year, through the Ontario SPCA’s community outreach services team, close to 40,000 lbs of food was distributed to food banks and community partners in the Cornwall area. That translates into an incredible 102,000 meals to keep furry bellies full!

In response to a spike in Parvo cases in 2017, the Ontario SPCA’s community outreach team began holding annual Parvo vaccine clinics. By 2019, 450 dogs had been vaccinated against the life-threatening illness, and only three cases of the Parvo virus were reported in the community that year. Those vaccination efforts continue, with 78 dogs vaccinated at last year’s clinic.

To help reduce animal overpopulation in the community, the Ontario SPCA has also been hosting spay/neuter events in Cornwall. Since 2020, the Ontario SPCA has performed 651 spay/neuter surgeries in the community, preventing an estimated 30,000 potentially unwanted animals.

You can help change a life

To learn more about the Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Animal Centre, and to view animals available for adoption, visit ontariospca.ca/sdg Follow the centre on Facebook and Instagram for news, updates, animals available for adoption, and care tips. 

For more information on the Ontario SPCA’s community support services, visit ontariospca.ca/communitysupport

While cars pose risks to animals year-round, extra precautions should be taken during the cold, dark winter months. From the dangers of being hit on the road to the hazards of seeking shelter in the wrong places, cats and wildlife are often at risk around cars.

Fortunately, there are several ways we can help protect them, both when driving and when your car is parked.

Check for cats before starting your car

In colder weather, cats may find warmth and shelter under the hoods of parked cars. They curl up in these cozy spots to escape the chill, but it can be dangerous when the car is started. To ensure you don’t accidentally harm a hidden feline, take a few simple precautions:

Tap the hood before you start the engine. The sound may scare the cat away if there’s one hiding there.
Honking your horn may also alert any animals in the vicinity, including a cat under the car.
Check under your car by looking carefully around the wheels and undercarriage, especially if it’s been parked for a while.

Taking these few extra moments can save a life—both for cats and for any other small animals that might take shelter in similar spots.

Drive slowly and carefully, especially at dawn and dusk

Animals are most active during twilight hours—at dawn and dusk—when visibility is low, and they are more likely to dart across the road. Slow down during these times, especially in areas where wildlife may be active. Keep an eye out for creatures like squirrels, foxes, racoons, or deer that might suddenly cross your path.

Be alert even if you don’t see anything right away. Animals can emerge unexpectedly.
Use extra caution in rural or wooded areas where wildlife is more likely to be present.
Look out for wildlife road signs as many areas with high wildlife traffic will post signs to alert drivers to the presence of animals crossing.
Watch for eyeshine at night. Many types of animals have eyes that reflect headlights, making them easier to spot.
Reduce speed during poor weather conditions as this can cause decreased visibility and make it harder to brake effectively. By staying vigilant, you can greatly lower the risk of a collision with an animal.

Both cats and wildlife face a variety of risks when it comes to cars—whether it’s getting hit on the road or seeking shelter in dangerous places. We have a responsibility to minimize these risks by staying alert, driving cautiously, and taking steps to protect animals. By doing so, we can all do our part to create a safer world for our furry friends.