Speak Up For Paws

01/01/2026

I know it’s a long read buuut if you wonder who we are and what we do this will summarize 2025.

01/01/2026

Update on Jacob.

OUR LAST INTAKE OF 2025 - JACOB
Rescues collaborate to help animals in need and we are happy to take on this cat that Speak Up For Paws has finally been able to secure after tracking him for months after his owner abandoned him. Their support and help with Eggnog was invaluable, and now we can return the favor. As a direct result of our pleas for fosters for our orange boy we had multiple applications and have a foster happy to provide a foster home for Jacob. Thanks to Jackie, Melanie and Stephanie for their part in saving this boy and Line Animal Hospital for his emergency care.
The name Jacob means perseverance, determination and transformation. It suits him well.

If you would like to donate towards his care you can do so via
Email Transfer: [email protected]
💻 PayPal: paypal.me/OttawaKittenRescueCA
🌐 CanadaHelps: canadahelps.org/en/charities/ottawa-kitten-rescue
Donations of $20 or more are eligible for a tax receipt by request (provide your full name, mailing address, and email) to [email protected]
Please share!

12/30/2025

12/28/2025

❄️ Winter Water Scarcity: The Hidden Threat

Most people assume wildlife struggles most with finding food in winter.
But there’s another problem that’s often just as dangerous—and far less obvious:

Many animals struggle to stay hydrated when everything freezes.

Once temperatures drop, liquid water becomes hard to find:

Ponds, puddles, and streams freeze solid

Snow isn’t an efficient water source—animals burn energy warming it

Cold, dry air pulls moisture from their bodies

Small animals lose water quickly and need to replace it often

A bird or squirrel can often go longer without food than without water.
But when every source is locked under ice, even a healthy animal can become dehydrated fast.

💧 How You Can Help Wildlife This Winter

It takes less than a minute and costs nothing.

1. Set out a shallow dish

Choose one that’s 1–2 inches deep so small animals stay safe.

2. Fill it with warm water twice a day

Morning: after nighttime freezing

Evening: before temperatures drop again

3. Add a tennis ball

A little movement in the wind can help slow down freezing.

This simple step can support:

Birds

Squirrels

Foxes

Rabbits

Raccoons

Deer (in suburban areas)

…and any animal that can’t break through ice to drink.

❤️ Complete the Circle of Care

You filled the feeder.
Now fill the water dish.

A small effort for you can be a lifeline for them.

12/26/2025

Educate yourself on TNR and share with others.

12/24/2025

We want to say a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you. Your support in what we do and what we believe in make a real difference in the lives of cats who need it most. Let’s change the lives of more cats in 2026!

Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones and best wishes for the New Year!

12/22/2025

Update: sold out!

6 boxes left, anyone interested?
15 cookies fir 20$ donation to [email protected]

Pickup in Barrhaven.

12/20/2025

We are just about to start putting together our Christmas cookie boxes. Here’s a glimpse of what you will find in the boxes this year. It’s not too late to order your box!

Pick up will be tomorrow
39 redpath in Barrhaven between 10 and 1 PM ( contact Courtney Byrne if you cannot pick up during this time frame).

North gower porch pick up anytime 7561 Settlers Way

1392 Orillia will confirm timing 

12/20/2025

Have you reserved your box of cookies yet? Don’t show up empty-handed at Christmas gathering. Instead bring a beautiful assortment of Christmas cookies for all to share.  We have amazing bakers and no one will be disappointed.

12/15/2025

Some acts of love don’t ask to be seen.
They happen quietly-through a bowl of food set down with care, through a gentle voice that says, “Eat first, little ones. It’s warm at home tonight.❤️🐾🥹”

For stray cats, kindness is not something they expect. Hunger teaches them to be cautious, and cold nights teach them not to trust too easily. Yet even the smallest gesture can soften fear, reminding them that not every hand reaches out to hurt.

True compassion isn’t loud or heroic. It’s patient. It waits. It gives without asking for anything back. And in those quiet moments, lives begin to change-not all at once, but enough to matter.

Sometimes, all it takes is someone choosing to be gentle when the world isn’t.

And on nights like these, that quiet kindness feels a lot like Christmas.