One of about a dozen cat colonies in Nanaimo. If left unattended without being spayed/neutered or vaccinated, numerous repercussions can follow. (CatNap Society)

By Ian Holmes

seasonal issue

‘There is a lot of preventable suffering:’ CatNap Society pushes to reduce feral cat population

Jun 11, 2023 | 7:14 AM

NANAIMO — A longstanding group of Nanaimo-based volunteers are doing what they can to address a problem that’s much more visible this time of year.

“It’s definitely kitten season,” CatNap Society’s rescue and trapping director Candis Reber told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Breeding season among the unfixed feral and abandoned cat population tests the capacity annually of CatNap Society volunteers, which is entering its 25^th year in existence.

The community at large is also affected, Reber emphasized.

“You just get an idea of how quickly the problem exacerbates and how a colony that starts with one abandoned, pregnant cat can suddenly turn into a problem of 25 or more cats.”

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The organization’s primary focus is trapping, neutering/spaying, vaccinating then returning cats to foster homes prior to finding forever homes or returning some of the animals to what’s known as cat colonies.

A cat colony is a group of feral cats cohabitating in one area or property, who share a common food source where a caretaker is present.

Reber estimated about half a dozen cat colonies are in existence in Nanaimo, most consisting of a handful of animals.

This spring Reber said they’ve trapped 16 feral cats and rescued 6 kittens from one colony near downtown Nanaimo.

Members of a cat colony in Nanaimo. The CatNap Society reports areas around downtown Nanaimo and rural settings seem to attract such collections of outdoor oriented cats. (CatNap Society)

A vast majority of the 155 cats under CatNap Society supervision reside in local foster homes.

Previously surrendered or trapped cats are currently being socialized, spayed/neutered and vaccinated prior to being adopted to permanent homes.

“We have some foster homes who are taking on a few cats at once or a couple litters because there just is that need and there is only so much room,” Reber said.

She’s concerned about the ability of their foster home partners to keep up with demand, citing an extended cat breeding season from early spring to late fall year after year.

Reber emphasized the importance of ensuring cats are fixed and vaccinated to prevent an explosion of feral cats who often struggle in inhospitable environments.

“While plenty of feral kittens will grow up to unfortunately start mating and fighting and having kittens of their own…many will not make it — succumbing to illness, parasites, the elements, and injury. There is a lot of preventable suffering.”

Adoption-ready CatNap animals are profiled on the organization’s Facebook page and Instagram channel.

CatNap’s adoptable animals are also sent to the organization’s private partners: Bosley’s at University Village and Bowen Rd. and PetSmart Nanaimo.

People willing to be CatNap Society foster home partners are always greatly appreciated.

Monetary donations and more information about CatNap Society can be found on the organization’s website found here.

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes