It's a mind-boggling statistic.
There are an estimated 1.5 million stray cats in Quebec, but a new organization called Petits Pawz is joining in the fight to drive that number down.
Susan Mackasey's new non-profit organization currently doubles as her own house. She would often have up to 100 cats in foster care as they wait to get vaccinated, sterilized and set free.
"It can definitely get overwhelming," Mackasey told CTV Montreal's Annie DeMelt. "That's for sure."
But Mackasey soldiers on, despite holding down a full-time job, and she's helped by a team of tireless volunteers who all have the same goal in mind – keeping cats healthy and finding them a new home.
The non-profit got started with a "catch and release" program where feral cats were brought in, vaccinated, sterilized and released.
But since then an adoption program was started supported by a network of foster families who provide a temporary home for the cats until a suitable family is found.
The latest program intiative is called "Adopt and be Free," which matches adult cats with seniors seeking companionship.
Every cat that comes through Petits Pawz gets veterinary care as well.
"It gets you going, you know," said volunteer Barbara Bisset. "It gives you a reason to get up in the morning when you have two cats looking at you wanting their breakfast."
Mackasey held the first Petits Pawz adoption day in August and will be holding another one on October 17 from 1-6 p.m. at 8351 Newman Blvd. in LaSalle.
"When I see the kittens and the mother all placed, that when I get satisfaction…and think that's why we're doing this," Mackasey said.
For more information on Petits Pawz, to become a volunteer, to find a cat for adoption or to donate, you can visit their website.
