One of the 21 cats surrendered from a home in Kelowna/BC SPCA

By Vernon Matters Staff

animals saved

BC SPCA takes in 21 cats from Kelowna

Nov 12, 2025 | 4:00 PM

Concerned family members have surrendered 21 cats to the BC SPCA after an elderly couple became overwhelmed caring for them.

The family was travelling from out of province when they realized the cats were in distress and brought them to the Kelowna animal centre last month.

Over 20 cats were in the house/BC SPCA

Some of the cats were transferred to Penticton for additional care.

The BC SPCA said situations like this are becoming more common as rising costs and health issues leave pet owners struggling to keep up.

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In a media release, the BC SPCA said often situations like this escalate when beloved pets aren’t spayed or neutered, leading to accidental litters and turning manageable situations into ones where owners can no longer adequately care for them.

“In this case, there were cats living all over the home with the couple, some upstairs, some downstairs in the basement, some in the garage. Most of the cats were very social, but it became clear quickly that some needed urgent veterinary care.”

“The cats with the most urgent medical concerns were immediately brought to a veterinary clinic,” Shannon Paille, manager of the BC SPCA Kelowna said.

“Unfortunately, three of the cats were in critical distress and were euthanized.”

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