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OnixThe Winnipeg Humane Society (WHS) and shelters across North America aim to save the lives of one million cats by 2019 with the Million Cat Challenge. Reduced adoption fees, changes to intake procedures and adjustments to shelter operations will help the WHS increase cat adoptions and manage the number of incoming cats.

“Our animal welfare community wants to save more cats and as a grassroots organization it is our duty to meet those expectations,” says WHS CEO Javier Schwersensky. “We must work together and use proactive approaches in order to give every cat a fair chance.”

In July the WHS introduced a month-long cat adoption promotion that helped 287 felines (155 cats, 132 kittens) find homes from July 1-27. The WHS will continue offering cats and kittens for a reduced adoption fee until August 31.

August 2016 cat adoption fees:

  • Cats (six months and older) range from free to $20
  • Kittens are $100 or $179 for two

The WHS has introduced the Care to Adopt program in an effort to reduce the number of incoming cats. Individuals who find a cat now have the option to care for it over a two-week period. If no owner has been found after the timeframe, the finder has the option to adopt. Care to Adopt relieves the workload of the WHS, saves resources for cats that need them most and quickly finds the cat a home.

On Aug. 8 cats in the shelter will be provided double-cages. More space for the cats lead to healthier felines, reduced stress levels, and more adoptions.

The Million Cat Challenge is a shelter-based campaign with a focus on five key initiatives that will reduce euthanasia and increase live outcomes. The five initiatives are: Alternatives to intake, removing barriers to adoption, managed admission, return to field, and capacity for care.