Three tiny kittens, cold, hungry, and barely clinging to life, were rescued from behind a Rutland business last week thanks to the quick actions of a compassionate local business owner and the Okanagan Humane Society.
The kittens, only a few weeks old, were discovered by a long-time caretaker of a known feral cat colony in the Leathead Road area. The caretaker noticed the mother was missing and feared the kittens wouldn’t survive without urgent intervention.
“She watched closely, concerned about their condition, and knew she had to act fast to give them a chance at life,” said Romany Runnalls, executive director of OHS. “Her compassion and quick thinking made all the difference.”
The caretaker successfully captured all three kittens one by one, with guidance from OHS. They were rushed to an OHS veterinary partner for emergency medical treatment and nourishment.
The kittens are now recovering in a foster home and are expected to be available for adoption once they’re strong enough.
This rescue is part of a larger effort by OHS to manage and support feral cat colonies throughout the Okanagan. The Leathead colony, spanning roughly 10 city blocks in Rutland, has long been supported by local business owners and residents who provide food, water, and makeshift shelter.
“Kittens must come out of colonies like this, and adult cats need to be fixed and vaccinated to stay healthy and keep the population under control,” Runnalls said. “In the first two years working in this area alone, we rescued over 400 cats and kittens.”
OHS is one of the few organizations in the region dedicated to rescuing, sterilizing, and rehoming community animals. Working with over 40 veterinary partners, volunteers, and foster homes, the Society helps manage dozens of feral cat colonies from Osoyoos to the Shuswap.
“Many cats we rescue are placed into our adoption program or our Farm Cat program for placement in orchards and vineyards. Truly feral adults are returned to their colonies after being sterilized, vaccinated, dewormed, and identified,” explained Runnalls.
Community support is vital to OHS’s operations. To help raise funds, the organization has launched an Online Auction to Save Lives, with all items donated by local businesses and residents. Every dollar raised goes directly toward rescuing and rehabilitating animals in need.
To participate in the auction or make a donation, visit: cbo.io/app/public/bidapp/ohs/auction