Winnipeg Lost Cat Assistance

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Winnipeg Lost Cat Assistance Winnipeg Lost Cat Assistance (WLCA) exists to reunite lost cats with their families by providing search resources and education on lost cat behaviour.

WLCA exists to reunite lost cats with their families by providing search resources and education on lost cat behaviour. WLCA advocates for the humane treatment of cats, early spay and neuter, TNR, and keeping all cats indoors or supervised outside at all times, in their own yard. We provide education on various cat-related topics of public interest. WLCA has "extreme" views on the protection of ca

ts. We regularly post the realities cats face on the streets, from injuries, to illness, homelessness and death. We are here for the well-being of the cat and as such, will express our concerns about the welfare of any cat, if necessary. WLCA helps community members help themselves by providing education on cat care. WLCA and its search and rescue volunteers will often assist in searches of lost cats under special circumstances (injury, geriatric, on medication, illness). WLCA's rescue arm (WLCA Homeless Cats) will take in up to 5 homeless cats at a time to rehome responsibly so long as there are funds and foster homes to do so. WLCA is a non-profit organization in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, on Treaty No. 1 Territory, the traditional lands of the Anishinabe (Ojibway), Ininew (Cree), Oji-Cree, Dene, and Dakota Nations, and the homeland of the Métis. Donations can be made in the form of e-transfer to [email protected], or via cheque made out to Winnipeg Lost Cat Alert and sent to Box 39099 Inkster Park, Winnipeg, MB, R2X 3B3. No receipts will be issued as WLCA is not a registered charity. All donations go toward the care of the rescued cats WLCA is responsible for.

WLCA INTO THE FUTUREGood morning, WLCA nation! It is really strange times for us, as a country, and along with the daily...
13/02/2025

WLCA INTO THE FUTURE

Good morning, WLCA nation! It is really strange times for us, as a country, and along with the daily barrage of news comes critical thinking. At least for me it does.

The question I'm asking myself is, "Why am I using Facebook?" I do not use it as a personal means to connect with people I know around the globe. I hate the platform itself - it's wrought with operating and performance issues and when they decide to throw in an "upgrade," there is no warning and you have no choice but to opt in. Many are the days I've spent figuring out work-arounds for functions that have broken, been removed or just don't work. I'm helping one of the richest people on the planet make more money (why am I doing that?) with no benefit (he's not paying my vet bills).

So, that, coupled with the ridiculous amount of crap sent via every communication avenue imaginable, the harvesting of every typed word for profit, the inability to manage what comes to you in your feed, AI features no one wants, and the lackluster dissemination of information going out (unless you pay for it), I have decided WLCA will stop using Facebook as a primary means of communication by the end of 2025.

In its place, WLCA will have a website, complete with adoptable cats, blog and articles of interest, written by myself, or others. This page will continue to run to provide automated information to people who follow, and to provide links to the new website.

The distribution of information about WLCA cats that are available for adoption will be accessible to everyone with an electronic device, rather than who Meta decides gets WLCA posts in their feed. Even if you follow a page, not everyone gets the same posts, or the same number of posts from that organization, nor does one get them in a timely fashion. Having a website means it won't matter if a photo is attached to a news story, or not. If you are dedicated to WLCA, you will have access to everything, anytime. Gone will be the days of Facebook playing hide-and-seek with comments. I will be able to provide links to Canadian news content and not be denied the creation of a post. I will not have to jump through hoops for a company that doesn't pay me for content. And no, I never wanted to take advantage of monetization because why would I want Meta to have my banking information?

Facebook, the once "free" platform hasn't been free for a long time. They control what you see - and it isn't always what I want you to see.

I will not be entertaining any other social media platforms until one comes out that is Canadian owned, and operated, and truly free - both in the monetary sense and in access to the content created.

And I'm going to bet when I stop interacting on this page, people will wonder what happened - because Facebook didn't see fit to send it to all 19,000 people who follow.

In the meantime, like our stunning Ava pictured here (all healed and looking her best), let's keep working to get the rest of the WLCA cats, available for adoption, their permanent homes.

UPDATETEMPORARY HOME FOUND! Thank you to everyone who offered. The best environment for him was one with no other pets a...
05/02/2025

UPDATE

TEMPORARY HOME FOUND! Thank you to everyone who offered. The best environment for him was one with no other pets and that is what will be provided. So grateful to everyone out there who cares to help others.

-----------------------

LONGER-TERM CAT SITTER WANTED

As you all know, I am spending a lot of time on Kijiji helping people who are trying to rehome their cats, do it in as safe a manner as possible. It's a lot of work, but it's well worth it because you run into situations where you can help in more than one way - like helping people find resources to get their kitten-makers fixed and providing advice on situations where the cat might actually not need rehoming after all.

Recently, I had a discussion with someone who was trying to rehome their cat because of an untenable/violent situation at home with an individual with dementia. They need to leave that situation, as soon as possible, and there is nowhere for their cat, Chance, to go while they stay with a friend and search for a new place to call home. They are now out of options as they were turned away with every call they made, including resources I provided, and WHS would only be able to provide a two-week stay under SafePet.

We need to do our best to help keep cats in their homes. Rehoming wasn't the answer and will take too long, no one is taking owned-surrenders, WHS's SafePet program would only give them two weeks and Chance needs a place to land until mid-April. Chance's person will be providing funds for his food and litter.

Chance is a quiet, sweet and loving boy. He does well with other cats but is afraid of dogs. He is four years young, eats canned and dry and loves gentle attention. He had been rehomed once already by his original family and his current person really didn't want to do that to him again.

Do you have a room for Chance until mid-April? If you do, or if you are considering, but need more info, please message the page. We will help out with transportation and ensure he's revaccinated and dewormed. He is indoor-only and does not have fleas or ear mites.

LOOKING FORWARD TO SPRING...Yet another reason to keep your cats indoors, and watch for odd behaviour and illness in cat...
03/02/2025

LOOKING FORWARD TO SPRING...

Yet another reason to keep your cats indoors, and watch for odd behaviour and illness in cats that have no choice but to live outside, is H5N1 Avian Influenza.

Although still very rare here in Manitoba, we never know when it may sneak up on us. One of the common vectors for infection is raw cat food. Because H5N1 has been found in poultry flocks, wild bird populations and in cattle, raw cat food is now considered dangerous, as is wild prey.

It is best to keep pet cats indoors. Period. However for cats who have no choice but to live outside, ensure there is ample food and water away from any bird feeders in the yard.

H5N1 can be picked up by coming into contact with droppings or an infected, sick, or deceased, bird (or other animal). Ensure you are cleaning any feeders, and the area around them, regularly. Better than feeding birds at a bird feeder, is planting bird-friendly plant species so they do not congregate in great numbers in one area to eat. You can still help birds survive by including trees with berries, shrubs with seeds, leaving sunflower heads on sunflowers until the seeds dry, etc.

If you encounter a deceased, or sick, bird, please follow the guidelines outlined by the government of Canada at the following link:

https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/migratory-game-bird-hunting/avian-influenza-wild-birds.html

If you find a cat displaying odd behaviour or looks sick, do not try to catch the cat by hand. Rather, use a humane trap, if possible. If that is not possible, contact an organization who is well-versed in cat rescue and ensure they know the situation may include the possibility of infection with H5N1. This condition is more likely on farms and much less likely with backyard wild birds. Consider the scenario before jumping to conclusions.

Winnipeg has not had any cases as of yet, but it's never too early to be prepared. In case your own cat shows symptoms of H5N1, isolate your cat and contact your veterinarian for further instruction. After handling a cat that may have this infection, always wash your hands, very well, with ample soap and running water.

STILL WAITING....For homes to call their ownDot, Hygge, Halo & Acana have all been patiently waiting for their permanent...
30/01/2025

STILL WAITING....
For homes to call their own

Dot, Hygge, Halo & Acana have all been patiently waiting for their permanent families to come along. They are doing wonderfully in foster, but it's really time to get them families who will care for them until they're old and grey.

Because WLCA doesn't have a building to showcase them, it's tougher to get them homes - but not impossible. In speaking with pet stores, their kennels have all been spoken for by other rescues. There may be an option to do an adoption day, or weekend, at some of them, however, only Acana and Halo would do well with such a change of environment. They're really better off in the comfort of their foster homes.

For that reason, I will be putting together an adoption catalogue detailing their personalities and ideal homes. Once ready, I will be asking you, the public, to either print them off and distribute them in your workplaces (staff room, public waiting room, staff bathroom stall door) or at coffee shops and other businesses you're familiar with that will allow it, OR share the document on your work Intranet, if you have a section for personal items/use.

Not everyone knows WLCA exists, Facebook does a poor job of distributing posts, people need reading material while they're eating or waiting to get their hair done, eyes checked, teeth cleaned, etc. - and these kids can't stay in foster care forever.

Who's with me? Comment below or message the page and let me know where you want to leave a copy (so we don't overlap)!

WHAT SAY YE ON THIS TOPIC?Let me preface this by saying this is not a commentary on veterinarians, vet techs or vet staf...
29/01/2025

WHAT SAY YE ON THIS TOPIC?

Let me preface this by saying this is not a commentary on veterinarians, vet techs or vet staff.

I sat down and watched Marketplace, The Fifth Estate and listened to Cross-Country Checkup (which was really enlightening). Vet care is a HUGE factor in animals being surrendered to rescues and shelters. And while we, as pet parents, are happy we now have the ability to care for them as well as we can care for ourselves, because there is no federal funding or tax relief, the cost of care can be astronomical.

If you fall within a certain income range, there are programs that can be accessed, but outside of that specific range, it's a desert.

Telling people to not get a pet if they can't afford vet care doesn't do anything for those with current pets who have been assaulted by the rising cost of living. On occasion, WLCA has helped families who could not afford their vet bill, but didn't qualify for low-cost care programs.

Is there something more Manitoba should be doing to help people keep their pets? What have you experienced? How do you feel knowing some of the clinics in town might be owned by consumer product juggernaut, Mars, among other conglomerates?

NO MORE FREE KITTENS!WLCA's foray into the free/not free Kijiji rehoming market is paying off. Not everyone has responde...
25/01/2025

NO MORE FREE KITTENS!

WLCA's foray into the free/not free Kijiji rehoming market is paying off. Not everyone has responded to our messages that provide free rehoming resources, however, there are less "free" ads than when this initiative started. The response to free/not free kitten ads includes information about spay and neuter, where to access low-cost programs and TNR info for those who need to stop the cycle. This info is also provided to those trying to rehome intact adult cats.

In speaking with people who have free kittens up for rehoming, many of them have no way to access programs even if they qualify. They do not have transportation, or have limited mobility.

So, with that in mind, and knowing there is a willingness out there to have cats sterilized:

DOES WLCA HAVE ANYONE IN THE ARBORG AREA, who can transport a cat to Winnipeg for a spay., or someone who goes to Arborg regularly who can be a transporter?

This will prevent more kittens from being born and improve the health of this cat.

Please message the page if you can help!

UPDATEThank you so much to the very generous people of the WLCA community! We have surpassed the cremation invoice amoun...
18/01/2025

UPDATE

Thank you so much to the very generous people of the WLCA community! We have surpassed the cremation invoice amount. You have helped bring dignity and closure in this difficult time. Your kindness outweighs the cruelty on this earth.

The extra contributions will continue to support our cats in foster as they await their forever homes and help others in need.

———————-

THE PATH HOME

WLCA is looking for some financial assistance for two cats who have passed away under very tragic circumstances. The cats have been cremated and their stories will eventually be told. But for now, some help with the $450 bill would be very appreciated.

The cats were loved, are still loved and although they are on their path home, they will be missed for years to come.

If you'd like to contribute to the dignity we have tried to provide these two sweethearts, please comment and you'll be contacted for a security response as we do not have autodeposit enabled. E-transfer [email protected].

Thank you, in advance, for your kindness.

Photo: Leon Neal/Getty Images

CRAZY FRIDAY WEATHER WARNING!Although we won't be getting a lot of snow tomorrow, the wind and plummeting temperatures w...
17/01/2025

CRAZY FRIDAY WEATHER WARNING!

Although we won't be getting a lot of snow tomorrow, the wind and plummeting temperatures will be a factor and overnight temps will be in the -35 range with the wind chill.

This spells certain death for many animals outside if they can't get out of the wind, never mind the cold without the wind.

If you have any friendly, homeless cats hanging around your home, please do your best to get them indoors or into a garage or insulated shed or cat shelter. Even if you can't pick them up, they may seek refuge on their own if you can leave the overhead door up 4-6 inches, or a man door open a crack.

Make sure to place something overtop of your winter shelters and feeding stations so they don't blow away.

Let's do our best to protect homeless, friendly cats as well as ferals during weather events like this. They never asked to be outside.

Photo credit: Portage Online

CRAZY FRIDAY WEATHER WARNING!Although we won't be getting a lot of snow tomorrow, the wind is definitely going to be a d...
17/01/2025

CRAZY FRIDAY WEATHER WARNING!

Although we won't be getting a lot of snow tomorrow, the wind is definitely going to be a dangerous factor, and once the temps plummet in the evening, windchills will be dangerous.

If you have any cats outside that are friendly, please take them indoors, even into a garage so they can get out of the wind. Leave your overhead door open a crack or the man door ajar a bit so a cat can get some relief from the weather. Windchill will be -34 overnight tomorrow night and ensuing days will be frigid as well.

Make sure you have something with a bit of weight on top of your cat shelters and feeding stations, to keep them from blowing away, if they are styrofoam or other light material.

Good luck everyone. Please be careful driving and walking, bundle up and let's get those outdoor friendlies indoors because they're not going to do well unless they have shelter.

Photo credit: PortageOnline.com

HAPPY POST (to offset the last crappy post)Just look at Acana (tabby) and Halo! These two sisters are going to make a fa...
16/01/2025

HAPPY POST (to offset the last crappy post)

Just look at Acana (tabby) and Halo! These two sisters are going to make a family very happy. They just love each other and were meant to be together. Does your home need some new life? These kids will make you want to stay home from work and you’ll love waking up to them every morning!

Message the page if you are interested in our two little sweeties!

ARREST - SUMMIT BRIDGE CAT KILLERI have been strangely silent on this situation. Some might wonder why. As I watched the...
14/01/2025

ARREST - SUMMIT BRIDGE CAT KILLER

I have been strangely silent on this situation. Some might wonder why. As I watched the Lima and Kabecz case unfold, it was clear that people have zero patience. There were those that went crazy online, trashed property, and stalked the accused.

These cases can be tricky. Sometimes, the wrong actions on the part of the public can have repercussions, such as closed hearings, publication bans and other consequences that prevent the general public from information that we deem necessary to continue with our daily lives while keeping our pets safe.

It is imperative rescues and shelters know who has been charged with such crimes. Not knowing puts all animals at-risk of being part of animal cruelty because not every organization has the capacity to do the most compete checks on people's history and backgrounds.

However, the public needs to be patient. There is a process and most of us are not aware what that entails. This media release does not name the accused as they have not been formally charged (whatever that entails). We hope for an update to this release when formal charges are laid so we can go about our business of finding new homes for homeless cats with a little more certainty that we will not be courted by this particular individual.

In the meantime, WLCA has created a Kijiji account for the sole purpose of educating the public on how to rehome a cat in a safer manner. People are being contacted individually and offered a rehoming package that includes an application, interview, adoption agreement and cat care guide for the new family. Many have already requested this information to deter those who can do such unspeakable acts.

WLCA will be following this case, in addition to the Lima and Kabecz case and we hope for some new leads in the Point Douglas cases.

Thank you to everyone involved in getting this person rounded up and arrested. We wait for more news.

Should anyone have any information, or if you rehomed a cat on Kijiji, or other platform, and was contacted by a male person, who you now can't get in touch with to see how your cat is doing, please contact the Major Crimes Unit at 204-986-6219 or anonymously at Crime Stoppers 204-786-TIPS (8477). Even seemingly insignificant info can lead to more charges. Call anyway.

https://www.winnipeg.ca/police/community/news-releases/2025-01-14-animal-cruelty-arrest-c24-302163

FOSTER-TO-ADOPTDo you want to adopt a cat but are concerned about them fitting in with your resident cats or dog? Don't ...
12/01/2025

FOSTER-TO-ADOPT

Do you want to adopt a cat but are concerned about them fitting in with your resident cats or dog? Don't want to cause unnecessary stress to your family by adopting one that isn't accepting of their new environment? Are you intimidated by the possibility of having to return your adopted cat, or not even having that option?

Maybe foster-to-adopt is for you! If you become a WLCA foster home, you will usually qualify to adopt the cat you're fostering, if they fit in and are doing well in foster care.

Ensuring your home is a good match for a WLCA cat is very important and you wouldn't get a cat that isn't right for your environment and family.

If you are interested in fostering to potentially adopt, message the page!

Photo: Six month old Blue, who is almost ready for adoption!

HOW ADORABLE ARE THESE SISTERS?!Halo and Acana would love a home together. These five month old kittens are looking for ...
07/01/2025

HOW ADORABLE ARE THESE SISTERS?!

Halo and Acana would love a home together. These five month old kittens are looking for their perfect family.

Halo (grey and white) is a snuggler, loves to sleep with her foster parents and can be carried around all the time. She purrs instantly, loves scritches, and is hard to put down. Acana is more independent and is all about play and sleep. She can also be affectionate, but is more interested in activity right now.

They are in a home with two resident cats and do very well with them, however, they choose each other over hanging out with the older boys. They sleep, eat and play together the most. These two kids are also trained to come to a bell. Not sure where they are? Ring the bell! They were obtained from a home with a large dog and may also do well with other respectful canines.

They have been spayed, are fully vaccinated (FVRCP), tattooed, treated for internal/external parasites, tested for intestinal protozoans and are SNAP negative for FeLeuk/FIV. They are on a canned Friskies diet with dry food as treats and use wood pellet litter.

If you think you're the right family for Acana and Halo, message the page or email [email protected] if someone you know is interested and doesn't have Facebook.

Please share so they can find their new family!

OUR BELOVED HYGGE (Hue-ga) IS BACK UP FOR ADOPTION!Handsome Hygge is doing so well in foster care and his stress diarrhe...
06/01/2025

OUR BELOVED HYGGE (Hue-ga) IS BACK UP FOR ADOPTION!

Handsome Hygge is doing so well in foster care and his stress diarrhea has cleared up. We are introducing him to other canned foods to see if anything changes, and so far, so good. Hygge needs a home with no other pets or a calm, respectful dog. He is a character and very, very smart. He prefers a more quiet home (no small kids) but also likes to play and spend time in windows. He does get agitated if cats come by, but it's temporary.

Message the page if you are interested in adopting Hygge or email [email protected] if you know someone interested who doesn't have Facebook.

Please share so he can find just the right home.

DOT IS STILL AVAILABLE!I can't believe this adorable, little 8 month old, girl still hasn't found her forever home. She ...
06/01/2025

DOT IS STILL AVAILABLE!

I can't believe this adorable, little 8 month old, girl still hasn't found her forever home. She is the sweetest little kid who loves other cats. She is being fostered with Blue and even allows him to pretend-nurse on her when they curl up together. She is a little shy to start off, but has come a long way in her foster home. She can be picked up, doesn't mind having her nails trimmed, loves winding herself around her foster mom's legs and chirps at her all the time. She will take time to get used to a new home, but you will be rewarded once she's comfortable with everyone and her new space.

She has been spayed, is fully vaccinated (FVRCP), tattooed, treated for internal/external parasites, and is SNAP negative for FeLeuk/FIV. She is on a canned Friskies diet with dry food as treats and uses wood pellet litter.

Message the page if you are interested in this little kid or email [email protected] if someone you know is interested and doesn't have Facebook.

PLEASE SHARE!

PLEASE REMAIN VIGILANTI have been informed that some cats who have been picked up deceased off our city streets may not ...
03/01/2025

PLEASE REMAIN VIGILANT

I have been informed that some cats who have been picked up deceased off our city streets may not have made it to WHS even though they had ID. This is not WHS's fault as they do not pick up for the city. The protocol is supposed to be:

Pickup service picks up cat, checks for ID.
If no tattoo, cat goes to Brady landfill.
If tattoo, cat goes to WHS.

This leaves out cats with only microchips. The protocol used to be:

Cats get picked up and brought to WHS on the truck.
Cats get checked and scanned on the truck with WHS scanner
Cats with ID stay, those without go to Brady.

But now, it seems that cats with tattoos may have been sent to Brady, possibly because the tattoos were not readily visible or some other reason.

I am asking the public to BE the service, whenever possible, until this procedure gets reviewed and, hopefully, improved. How many missing cats are out there who should have been able to be identified? We'll never know. ONLY do this if it is safe. Do not put your life at risk in traffic.

Take photos. Check cats for a tattoo in either ear (usually the right) and if you can manage it, take to be scanned at WHS or a clinic if the cat is not obviously intact. If the cat has nuts at the back end, they most likely don't have ID , so you can call 311 if you feel you can't transport to be checked for a chip. If the clinic doesn't want to keep the cat, they can be put back where they were found and 311 can be called.

Photo: 2009 oil painting of the “Rainbow Bridge,” by artist Stella Violano

THE YEAR IN REVIEW and 2025In a nutshell, 2024 was a really bad year for cats and it isn't ending right at the stroke of...
01/01/2025

THE YEAR IN REVIEW and 2025

In a nutshell, 2024 was a really bad year for cats and it isn't ending right at the stroke of midnight. While no cat can be 100% safe from everything that's detrimental to them, we can do our part and keep them indoors, away from the sick and evil that exists out there. We have seen far too much abject cruelty this year to be complacent and blasé about protecting them. If you put your foot down and wait it out, even the most prolific door dashers can be contained. Never let them out thinking they'll be back.

On the other side of this is catching those who perpetrate cruelty on animals. No bigger coward exists, than one who feels good by hurting completely innocent beings who cannot defend themselves. We have to stand for better laws and harsher punishments when the opportunities present themselves. We have to report what we see. Authorities are taking animal cruelty very seriously. We also have a federal election coming up. Hold your representatives' feet to the fire and ask them what they're prepared to do to ensure tougher sentences and bail reform. Don't hear anything good? You know what to do.

Amid all the cruelty, we had some wins.

Fluffy was returned to his family after missing six years from Killarney, Ava survived chemical burns to arrive at her perfect home, Beni is now living his best life with his new mom after he was found with a broken jaw and rescued, adopted out, rehomed and abandoned again; Spot and Dot were rescued before they were eaten up by the mean north end streets; Sheriff avoided a severe collar injury because he was in the right place at the right time, and is now with people who adore him; Hygge, Chiclet and Captain CC were rescued just before the frigid cold set in early in the year, we took on our volunteer's three cats when she passed away and two are living, happily, with their new mom; we prevented four kittens from becoming part of a north end kitten factory and recently, we helped with the ESP project where all six cats are doing great!

It has taken thousands of dollars to get these cats to the adoption stage and six WLCA cats still need homes, but they have all made it and none of it would have been possible without the public's continuing support and the amazing fosters, and adopters, who opened their homes and hearts. I want to thank everyone who has donated, fostered, adopted, bought something from one of our auctions and offered other means of support.

Twenty amazing cats, and kittens, would have had a very different outcome had it not been for this incredible community.

Looking ahead, 2025 will be a year of change. WLCA will not be able to take on as many rescues as 2024, as there will no longer be an option to board cats. I will be focusing more on TNR again and will intervene when there are cats who are injured or sick on my managed blocks.

I hope you will all continue to support the work I do. As always, I will let you all know when help is needed :)

Best wishes for a positive, peaceful and productive 2025.
Happy New Year!

Claudia

HAPPY HANUKKAHWishing all of you light, love and peace.
27/12/2024

HAPPY HANUKKAH

Wishing all of you light, love and peace.

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