A lot of cat for your money: Moncton SPCA discounts fees for heftier felines

It's more cat for less at least at the Moncton SPCA, where somefat feline friendsare up for adoption at a reduced fee.

Adoptions of cats are downand even more so for cats that carry a little bit of weight, so the shelter isreducing the adoption fee to $50 from $99 normally charged.

That fee covers all shots, microchipping, and spaying or neutering.

Nanette Pearl, director of animal welfare at the Moncton SPCA, said it's harder for heavier cats to be adopted because of the various health issues that come with them.

Chubby cats discounted for adoption

6 years ago

Duration 0:38

Chubby cats are less likely to be adopted, according to the Moncton SPCA. Thats why their adoption fee is 50 per cent off until Sunday.

Chubbier cats come with potential health issues, includingstress fractures, sore backs, diabetes, and difficulty grooming.

"You are getting a lot of cat for your money," she said.

She said allowing cats to gain more weight than they can handle doesn't do them any favours.

Pearl said anyone who adopts a chubby cat should consult a veterinarian before putting the animal on a regimen.

Say hello to Loretta

Of the nine chubby cats that came to the shelter recently, three have new homes.

One of those was Heisenberg or soon-to-be Loretta. She was adopted by Carol Gallant, who said even older cats and chubby ones deserve a home.

"They just need another chance at life," she said. "They can't be stuck in a cage for their whole lives."

Gallant has been able to provide homes to eight cats from several different rescue organizations in Moncton.

She now spends about $60 a month on food for them.

"We talked about getting an older cat, and I saw Heisenberg, and I said, 'We have to get her,'" she said.

Different personalities

She said living as a child around two farms, where the cats were kept to chase and kill mice, is where her love of cats began. She was often feeding them.

Gallant said he loves being able to provide homes to cats in need. Each has its own personality, she said.

But does shehaveroom for more?

"I say no now, but you never know in a couple of years."