So far in 2011, Burnaby has seen 55 cats rescued by a Vancouver group, but that number may be even bigger due to a recent spate of rescues.
The Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association saved more than 100 cats and kittens across the Lower Mainland in one week.
The rescued furry creatures are now in the care of the association, which has been overwhelmed by the sudden influx of rescues and it's seeking foster homes, adopters and donations.
The group also traps, neuters and releases an average of 50 cats per year and rescues an average of 25 mom cats with 100 kittens. That program has been running in Burnaby for the past five years.
"One of our projects was a TNR (trap, neuter, release) of a feral cat colony near Metrotown about eight years ago, which had reduced the rat population, but those cats have since died from old age, and the rat population is growing again," said Maria Soroski, program coordinator.
There are only 18 foster homes in Burnaby and the group is hoping for more applications from potential foster families.
"(The association) had made a presentation to the mayor and council about a year and a half ago requesting funding to maintain and expand the TNR program in Burnaby, and we would be happy to start discussions to help the animal populations in Burnaby," she added.
The association is seeking financial support from the public to take care of these cats and kittens.
"In one day, we took about 40 surrendered cats from a single home, including five mothers with kittens and two other litters without moms," Karen Duncan, the association's president, said in a press release.
To make a donation, become a foster or adopter, visit www.vokra.ca.
