An Overview of Domestic Cats in Canada

POPULATION AND POPULAR CANADIAN BREEDS

Cats are one of the most popular pets in Canada, but unfortunately the country has a cat overpopulation problem.

The problem has been called a ‘crisis’ in the past and while it’s under control now, efforts still need to be increased.

A report called Cats in Canada, released by the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies in December 2017, shared that about 9.3 million cats were kept as pets in Canada in 2016, spread amongst 37% of households.

The Impact of Overpopulation

Many cats are subjected to long-term stays in shelters where some succumb to stress-related illnesses. Disease, illness, injury and death threaten those that remain outdoors.

In the last few years there have been some improvements.

• More cats are being spayed and neutered
• Fewer cats are found in animal shelters
• More cats are being adopted
• Euthanasia is down

Still, more sterilisation campaigns are necessary to help adequately control cat numbers.

Four Cat Breeds that Originated in Canada

1. The (mostly) hairless Sphynx is an energetic and outgoing cat breed.

    

2. The Tonkinese, a Siamese and Burmese cross with striking features, loves to play and be around people.

    

3. The adorable Foldex breed, an Exotic Shorthair and Scottish Fold cross, is known for its sweet, curious and confident personality.

    

4. The affectionate Cymric, sometimes called a long-haired Manx, can have one of four different tail types: no tail, a short knob of tail, a short tail stump or a full tail as long or almost as long as an ordinary cat’s.