Twenty-one of the 52 cats rescued from an abandoned house near Ashcroft are expected to be adoptable in a couple of weeks from the Williams Lake BC SPCA shelter.
Liz Dighton, manger of the B.C. SPCA Williams Lake Branch, says most of the cats are in good health — one 13-year-old cat had to be put down due to medical issues.
"Overall, they're actually not that bad," Dighton says. "They are typical strays, so there are some that are a bit thin. They all have ear mites."
The Kamloops B.C. SPCA finished its investigation into the alleged cat-hoarding situation last week, and now charges against two people are being forwarded to the Crown.
The cats were found earlier this month in what is being described as an abandoned ranch house. The property owner had spotted a large number of cats in and around the structure and called the Ashcroft RCMP, who then contacted the B.C. SPCA.
Many of the cats were found suffering from eye infections, ear mites, and worms, and there was a layer of pack-rat feces in the attic.
Before the cats in Williams Lake will be ready for adoption, the shelter has to hold them for four days, not including Sunday and Monday when the shelter is closed.
Then they will be booked for spay and neuter appointments, and at that time will receive a full health exam and ages double checked — many are believed to be as young as two to three months old.
They are expected to be adoptable in about two weeks.
"There are still some that are fearful, and with the experience that they've been through, it's understandable," Dighton says. "But they are all coming around, which is nice."
Most of the cats, but not all, are Siamese-type cats. There are also a few black cats and tabby varieties.
The remaining 31 cats are being cared for at the Kamloops B.C. SPCA branch.
Check the Williams Lake B.C. SPCA adoption page where pictures and information on the cats will be posted once adoption is ready.
— With files from Tim Petruk