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Erie and Niagara SPCAs in search of cat adopters, fosters

Posted at 6:52 PM, Mar 26, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-26 18:52:34-04

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — We're on the cusp of kitten season. The Niagara SPCA and SPCA Serving Erie County will soon be flooded with kittens and pregnant cats at a time when they have less volunteers and adopters coming into the shelters.

"We're trying to navigate this health crisis just as you are. We're trying to eliminate people here at the shelter. There might not be as many people to come in and care for these animals. Honestly, that's all I think this community needed ot hear and the phones started ringing off the hook," said Gina Lattuca, the chief communications officer at the SPCA Serving Erie County.

Kitten season happens during the warmer months. Shelters become flooded with cats. Both shelters staff becomes very busy. That's why it's important to get the cats currently at the shelters adopted out.

"We get in a lot of kittens and pregnant cats," said Jolee Dansa, the foster care coordinator at the Niagara SPCA, "It can last through the fall."

The Erie SPCA quickly adopted out all of their dogs and some cats within the past week, so now their focus is on finding feline friends forever homes. They're also searching for homes for two turtles.

"Cats are adopted for reasons very different than dogs," said Lattuca, "In this area, it turns out that cars are brought in [to a home] because the cat ends up appearing in front of someone. That doesn't bode too well for cats when it comes to appointment adoptions."

Both the SPCA Serving Erie County and Niagara SPCA have transitioned to appointment only adoptions because of the coronavirus outbreak. The Niagara SPCA is searching for foster and permanent homes for both dogs and cats.

"That let's us help more animals and open up a space for someone else," Dansa said.

Both shelters are taking in animals as others head out. The Erie SPCA is only taking sick or injured animals. Once they're better, they'll be put up for adoption.

If you're interested in fostering or adopting, visit the SPCA Serving Erie County's website or the Niagara SPCA's website.