Microchips, Meals and Medical Care: HBSPCA’s Month-Long Push to Help Hamilton’s Cats

April 22, 2025 Hamilton, ON – This April, the Hamilton/Burlington Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (HBSPCA) is shining a spotlight on its Community Cat program as part of a month-long feline health and awareness campaign. With Hamilton’s community cat population growing at an alarming rate, the HBSPCA has revamped and expanded its services to deliver greater support to community caregivers, pet owners and, most importantly, the cats themselves. Working hand-in-hand with the City of Hamilton Animal Services and the Hamilton Community Cat Network, the HBSPCA’s enhanced program now includes a new Community Cat Recovery Centre, expanded field staff, increased access to spay/neuter surgeries and more free resources than ever before. Over the past year, the HBSPCA team has also doubled down on humane solutions, helping stabilize cat colonies and prevent the birth of thousands of kittens in unsafe, outdoor environments.

In 2024, the HBSPCA expanded its team to reach more neighbourhoods and to support local caregivers with trapping, medical care and food supplies. Since then, over 89,000 meals have been distributed to support registered community feeders. These HSPCA and City of Hamilton registered supporters, otherwise known as Colony Caregivers, have been approved to feed unowned cats as part of their ongoing Community Cat program. Their efforts also allow the HBSPCA to monitor the cats’ movements and ensure they receive ongoing care— including surgical procedures like the complex $4,000 dental surgery recently performed on a gentle cat named Tommy, who needed all of his teeth removed.

“Tommy really tugged at our hearts,” said Karen Reichheld, Director of Animal Services at the HBSPCA. “He was in so much pain when he came in. He could barely eat and all he wanted was relief. Thanks to our incredible team and the support behind this program, we were able to get him the surgery he desperately needed. Now he’s thriving and it’s just so rewarding to see a cat who’s been through so much finally get to feel safe and loved.”

“Even indoor cats can escape through open windows or doors,” said Gerrard. “Microchipping provides a permanent form of identification and is the most reliable way to get a lost pet back home safely.

”The HBSPCA is also taking bold action with a long-term vision: to trap, neuter, vaccinate and return (TNVR) more than 5,000 cats by 2030 to reduce the community cat population by 20,000. In the meantime, registered community caregivers continue to access free food, supplies and veterinary resources, including spay/neuter services which are vital to improving the health and stability of feral colonies—all provided by the HBSPCA. After all, spaying and neutering unowned cats doesn’t just reduce numbers, it improves their lives by preventing disease, aggression and injury, while allowing them to live healthier lives in stable colonies.

To register as a community caregiver and ensure compliance with the City of Hamilton Bylaw, as well as to learn more about free microchipping, upcoming clinics and how to support the HBSPCA’s lifesaving work visit: www.hbspca.com.