April 15, 2025 Hamilton, ON – The Hamilton/Burlington Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (HBSPCA) is celebrating the success of its first-ever Community Cat Clinic event, held this past April 11–13 at its Dartnall Road headquarters. In just three days, a team of six veterinarians, HBSPCA staff and 50 volunteers collaborated to trap, spay/neuter, vaccinate and assess 68 free-roaming cats from Hamilton’s downtown neighbourhoods, specifically Wards 1 through 4. Of the 68 cats, 19 have since been assessed and selected to begin their journey toward adoption. Among them, a sweet mom and her three, tiny, four-week-old boys are currently in foster care, where they’ll grow strong and feel loved, as they wait for their forever homes.
The event marks a significant step toward addressing the city’s growing population of Community Cats—feral or unowned cats that live outdoors without clear signs of ownership. The felines were carefully and humanely trapped by trained HBSPCA staff and volunteers, then brought to the HBSPCA where they received medical treatment, sterilization surgeries and core vaccinations. Each cat was evaluated by the HBSPCA team for socialization and behaviour. Cats deemed sociable and adoptable were entered into the HBSPCA’s adoption program, while others were returned to their original outdoor locations under the care of the community caregivers who support them year-round.
The HBSPCA estimates that this single Community Cat Clinic weekend could prevent over 150 kittens from being born into unsafe and often unsustainable living conditions this year alone. With approximately 30,000 to 45,000 free-roaming cats living in Hamilton, efforts like this are critical. This year’s event builds on the organization’s deep investment in humane population control, which included over $200,000 spent last year to support Community Cat services and subsidies for caregivers. The HBSPCA typically covers most medical costs for these services, asking only a nominal contribution from colony caregivers.
“Seeing our community come together like this was incredible,” said John Gerrard, President and CEO of the HBSPCA. “We had an army of support—veterinarians, volunteers, caregivers—working toward a shared vision: a safer, healthier city for both animals and people. It’s a shining example of what’s possible when compassion meets action.”
The HBSPCA’s Community Cat Clinic team worked in close collaboration with the City of Hamilton, the Community Cat Network and dozens of dedicated caregivers who feed, shelter and care for these outdoor cats every day. These caregivers are a vital part of the solution, helping ensure that cats returned to the wild are monitored, well-tended to and no longer contributing to the unchecked growth of colony populations.
“I found volunteering with the team at the HBSPCA a rewarding, fulfilling and wonderful experience,” said Dr. Dave Kerr, one of the six veterinarians supporting the Community Cat Clinic event. “The team was efficient, friendly, compassionate and I am a little sad I do not work with them all the time. I will, if allowed to, volunteer again and I look forward to helping in a small way with the very large problem of unowned cats in the Hamilton/Burlington area.”
Community Cats, which include feral and unowned cats, live throughout Hamilton parks, alleys, backyards, forest and even industrial areas. While many people may never see them, they are very much a part of the city’s landscape. Managing their population humanely is one of the most complex issues facing animal shelters across Canada and the HBSPCA is proud to lead the way with compassionate, effective solutions like the Community Cat Clinic. Since 1887, the HBSPCA has advanced animal welfare through compassionate care, outreach and community-based services.
To learn more about how to support tor volunteer for the Community Cat Program visit: www.hbspca.com.
About the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA
The Hamilton/Burlington SPCA is always Pet First. Since 1887, we have advanced the humane treatment of animals through innovative education, services, and partnerships. Our programs support over one million animal interactions annually, providing vital resources that ensure the well-being of animals and the families who care for them. We take care of animals because they take care of us. Join us at www.hbspca.com.
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