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Last Spring the Manitoba Cat Club had a visit from Margo Malabar who, for much of her life, has been involved with cat rescue agencies wherever she has lived. She currently lives in Winnipeg’s north end and upon taking up residence, noticed the large number of cats running free both feral and pet. She was also struck by the love and affection that many of the residents had for their pets. Her hope is to eventually help the residents of the inner city to obtain veterinary services in their own community. The little group of people that she is organising to develop such services is called the Spay and Neuter Inner City Pet Program (SNIPP). Nan and I were interested in this project and have worked with Margo on a few projects this summer to heighten community awareness of companion animal requirements and sources available to provide them The Winnipeg Humane Society has received over the recent past a grant for the city to help provide low cost spay and neuter services to the financially disadvantaged in the city. However most of the people to whom these services were aimed live north of the CPR tracks and do not own a car. The Humane Society buildings are of course located in the south of the city. Margo has been providing transportation for these people. Recently she has taken on a new job that limits her availability for this task and she asked if Nan and I would be willing to take on the job. At the present time the Humane Society provides space for approximately 10 cats to be neutered each week. Over the weekend Margo develops a list of 10 to 15 cats to be neutered the next week. Tuesday afternoon Nan and I drive around picking up the cats and late Wednesday afternoon we return them to their owners. The first time I went on the pick up with Margo and I was intrigued by her approach. It was open, forward, and somewhat brusque but at no time condescending. She did not hesitate to compliment the people on their cats but was not at all hesitant to ask if the cat was neutered. Thank heaven for her presence as I would have been very nervous entering some of the buildings alone. Nan and I are not very nervous any more even when we read about nasty events that have taken place near where we are going or have gone. In fact we would be sorry to see the end of the program and we look forward to our visits to fellow cat lovers. Sometimes the care provided extends beyond sterilization. The vets are willing to provide some service when the cats are under anaesthetic. In one case we were asked about a sore on the belly of a young kitten. It did not appear to be affecting the kitten greatly and an appointment was made to get the kitten spayed 5 weeks later. While it was anaesthetized its hernia was repaired. As might be expected fleas and ear mites are common and we try to provide treatment to other cats in multiple cat households when ear mites are found. Not all situations end well. In one apartment building we were asked to see a cat that appeared to be sick. We went to see it and it was clear that the cat was quite ill. It had escaped and upon returning home after being away for a long time was both thin and dehydrated. It also seems likely that it had consumed shampoo as they had washed it. All we could do was give advice on food and immediate care. In another case we returned a beautiful kitten and it appeared as if it might go hungry as we were asked for cat food. In another household a teenager told one of the younger children in the family that we were going to have the cat put down. There is certainly some question in my mind how that cat is going to fare. However most of the cats we see are well looked after and are much loved. Many children are reluctant to allow Nan and I to take “Suzy” away and it is only with much reassurance that the tears end. Frequently they are waiting for their cat’s return Wednesday evening and the joy on their faces is unmistakable. It is sometimes difficult to separate ourselves from the clients as they recognize fellow cat lovers and want to talk about their pets. In this they are similar to our fellow cat club members who can talk for hours about their pets. Our relationship with the staff at the clinic has been very productive. When we arrive most of the paperwork is completed and as a result we are on our way home quickly. They seem to appreciate what we are doing and that makes our job easier. We both hope to continue the program into the future. Chuck |
