Kitten Convoy arrives in Victoria from Prince Albert

The Greater Victoria Animal Crusaders in Victoria, B.C. stepped up to help the Prince Albert SPCA relocate 55cats and kittens earlier this week.

A large influx of cats and kittens being taken in by Prince Albert's SPCA, meant the felines were in danger of being euthanizedif they did not find homes.

"When we heard that these cats were going to get put down, or there was a chance, we couldn't refuse," said ShareneFoord, president of GVAC. "We had to reach out and help."

Adoption applications exceptional

"It has been mayhem here," she said. "We have been working as fast as we can, getting adoptions approved and through."

Foord described the cats as all young and healthy, most of them under a year old.

On Friday alone, there were more than 70 adoption applications for the feline newcomers at an adoption fair at a PetSmartstore in Victoria, Foord said.The B.C. city is full of animal lovers, she added.

"We're very lucky to have so many people here who want to adopt rescues." Foord saidshe doesn't anticipate any trouble finding homes for the cats.

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What's done and done

Julia Fedorak, who is on the board of directors forGVAC, said the cats have received their shots, and treatment for fleas and worms.

The cost of adoption is $200, which includes a voucher for a spay or neuter.

The kittens have had their first vaccinations with boosters needing to be done in three weeks.

The kittens under six-months-old haven'tbeen fixed yet, Fedorak said. All cats older than six monthshave been spayed and neutered, received their vaccinations and treatment for worms and fleas.

Fedorak said many animal shelters face overcrowding. The 55 cats which arrived in Victoria are just "the tip of the iceberg," she said.

"The main problem is people who do not spay and neuter their pets," Fedorak said. The warm spring and long summer have contributed to the growing population.

A helping hand

The convoy departed Prince Albert, Sask. on Wednesday.

When the cats arrived,Foordsaid volunteers helped examine, feed, check chips, water and snuggle the animals for more than six hours.

The cats were restless after the 2000-kilometre trip from Saskatchewan, she said.

"It's been completely overwhelming and completely unexpected for us," Foord explained.

This marks the first timeGVAChas undertaken a task of thismagnitude. Despite the rush to process the cats and applications, Foordsaid the collaboration has been a success.

One of the veterinarians who works with GVAC helped with the cat relocation byvolunteering their time. As well,people have donated rabies vaccinations and flea treatments.

"It really is heartwarming," Foord said.