When cute turns costly: why pets are being left behind this fall | BCIT News
Catoro Cafe in Vancouver is seeing more cats surrendered this year as people are unable to afford to care for their own pets due to the rising cost of living.
Catoro works with local rescue organizations to house and rehome cats. Some cats are even brought back to the organization because adoptees realize they are unable to care for them. Catoro has had more feline tenants this year in need of forever homes, and the small, cozy cafe has become temporary homes for cats facing uncertain futures.
Housing costs in particular have made pet ownership more difficult for many Vancouverites, leading to more animals needing new homes. Catoro has seen this reality first hand, with more and more cats being surrendered.
“Most of the rescues that we work with have been at or over their regular operating capacity this year,” said van Eeghen, emphasizing how strained the local shelters have become.
In addition to the growing number of surrenders, the staff at Catoro is aware of the stigma towards black cats during the fall and Halloween season. Humane Canada, the national federation of SPCAs reported that adoption rates of black cats were as low as 10% while others had higher numbers. Catoro’s focus remains just on giving each cat regardless of their coat colour, a chance to find a home.
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