A ‘kitten boom’ has the Hinton and area SPCA is overrun with cats, forcing the organization to call out to the community for help.

“People are just dropping them off at the doors. It’s gotten out of control,” said Cathy Thomas, VP with the SPCA.

Currently, the SPCA has 57 cats, however the facility only has capacity for 30. The cats range in age from a few years to a few weeks and many are now being forced into the pound due to overcrowding at the Hinton and area SPCA.

“We’re limited for space at our facility and cats who are dropped off will be taken to the pound,” Thomas said.

The SPCA usually receives more cats at this time of year, as kittens born in the spring begin showing up in shelters. While Thomas is happy people are dropping off cats rather than leaving them in the woods, she’s asking the public to call before bring more kittens.

“We always have a surge in the spring, but this is the worst we’ve seen,” Thomas said.

The cat numbers are also putting a strain on cat food supplies at the shelter and its veterinary budget. The organization spays or neuters all of its animals, and while veterinarians give a discounted rate to the SPCA, the numbers still add an extra financial strain. 

The SPCA usually rescues stray animals from the pound, however they currently aren’t able to do so.

“When it’s crowded, the cats risk disease,” Thomas said.

The Hinton and area SPCA is a no kill facility, so all of the cats must be fostered out to homes or adopted.

“Once they’re through our doors, their our responsibility,” Thomas said. 

The SPCA only adopted out four cats last month, so they’re hoping for a much busier July. Adoption fees for cats have been cut in half.

The organization is still building its new facility, and has been holding work parties throughout the spring in anticipation of opening the new structure by Christmas.