Four kittens and four adult cats were surrendered by a Nanaimo breeder, following an investigation by the BC SPCA earlier this month. (submitted photos/BC SPCA)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

bc spca investigation

‘Hungry and malnourished:’ eight cats seized from Nanaimo breeder

Apr 23, 2025 | 10:21 AM

NANAIMO — Eight kittens and adult cats are now under the care of the BC SPCA after being surrendered earlier this month.

An animal protection officer took custody of the animals on April 10 from a property in Nanaimo, with the incident stemming from an investigation into irresponsible breeding practices.

Eileen Drever, the SPCA’s senior officer of protection and stakeholder relations said they first learned of a potential situation from someone who’d purchased a kitten from the local breeder.

“The breeder would not allow her access to look at where the cats were living…and instead, the breeder brought one kitten out to her, which was soaked in urine, flea infested and had a bloated abdomen. There was debris in the ears and she immediately took took the kitten and transported it to a veterinarian.”

Checks at a local veterinary clinic of the purchased kitten showed both live fleas and “excessive” flea dirt on the animal, along with a bloated abdomen and dark discharge and debris in the ears and eyes.

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The usually routine vaccinations for kittens were delayed, as recommended by the veterinarian, until the kitten recovered under the care of its new home.

An April search of the home by SPCA officers yielded full litter boxes, scattered cat feces on the floor and a strong smell of ammonia.

Investigators found no visible kitten food for the remaining kittens, who were eight weeks old at the time.

“This breeder was selling male kittens for $700 and female kittens for $1,000,” Drever said. “If you’re going to be spending money, you need to make sure that the animal is healthy, and this is a reputable breeder.”

Cats living at the property were found to be in poor condition and living with little to no food and in badly soiled rooms. (submitted photos/BC SPCA)

Four kittens and four adult cats were surrendered to the animal protection officer by the breeder.

All were in similar conditions including being malnourished, with several skin irritations and infections, as well as being covered in fleas.

One of the adult female cats seized had two mammary cysts which are slated to be removed at a later date when she is spayed.

Drever told NanaimoNewsNOW the cats have also recently tested positive for ringworm and it’s likely they’ll be in care for “the next couple of months” before being made available for adoption.

She added the cats arrived at a local facility “scared and untrusting”, but progress is being made.

“Three of the four kittens will let staff pet them and they are starting to purr.”

The SPCA is reminding potential pet owners to spot the signs of an irresponsible breeder, including not allowing people into their home or animal care facility to see how the animals are living.

“Check out the home where they’re being kept and if you’re denied access, that should be a red flag. Ask about the if the cats have been tested for their health, ask who their veterinarian is, and just use your due diligence.”

If any animals are spotted in distress, they should be reported to the SPCA’s animal helpline at 1-855-622-7722.

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