Did you know that there are more pet cats in Canada than dogs? In 2024, approximately 8.9 million felines were to be found in Canadian homes, compared to 8.3 million dogs.1 Unfortunately, there are also between 1.4 and 4.2 million stray and feral cats in the north,2 with Canadian shelters taking in around three times as many stray cats as dogs.3
Of these cats, some are safely returned to their relieved owners, and many find new, loving homes, but what about those cats who have been abandoned, surrendered, or born in the wild who, for a variety of reasons, are unsuitable or unlikely to be rehomed?
Much of the time, these cats would be destined for euthanasia. Faced with obstacles like overcrowding, scarce resources, disease risk, and medical costs, most animal shelters need to adopt a ‘triage’ approach to the animals that come through their doors, and behavioral issues, health problems, physical defects, and old age can turn into a death sentence. This is partly due to financial constraints and lack of space, but also the ethical dilemma of leaving cats in short-term accommodation for extended periods. However, thanks to a very special group of people at the Regional Animal Protection Society in Canada, many of these cats are given the chance to live out their lives in peace and good health.
The Evolution of RAPS
During the 1980s, in response to the rising number of stray and feral cats in Richmond, Vancouver, a small group of dedicated cat lovers formed the Richmond Homeless Cats Society. These volunteers worked tirelessly to provide food, shelter, vet care, and, most importantly, spay/neuter services to the growing feline population. This group became the Richmond Animal Protection Society, who, in 2007, were awarded the City of Richmond Animal Shelter contract, where they established a no-kill policy. 2017 saw a final name change to the Regional Animal Protection Society, which better reflects the work they do for the wider community.
The RAPS Cat Sanctuary
To provide a long-term solution for cats who required long-term or permanent accommodation in the animal shelter, RAPS established its Cat Sanctuary in 1999. It is the only facility of its kind in Canada and one of the very few in North America. Knowing that their feline inhabitants were unlikely to be rehomed, the sanctuary is designed with permanent residents in mind. Even cats with illnesses such as feline leukemia and FIV are provided for in separate facilities to keep them and the other feline inhabitants safe.
Home to more than 500 cats, the RAPS Cat Sanctuary is faced with a problem echoed by human healthcare: the rising medical costs of an ageing population. Many of the cats at the sanctuary are living with geriatric health issues such as dental disease, kidney problems, diabetes, arthritis, and hyperthyroidism, and treatment doesn’t come cheap. RAPS depends on donations and sponsorships, income from their thrift stores and fundraisers, and their hundreds of dedicated volunteers to provide the facilities, equipment, food, healthcare, and love these cats need.
How Is a Cat Sanctuary Different from a Shelter?
Picture in your mind an animal shelter. Now erase that picture, because this sanctuary is so much more than a shelter. It is a veritable haven for cats to live their lives, not just bide their time. Verdant archways, sunny verandahs, high perches, and cozy cubbies provide space for cats to explore and stretch their legs and minimize the stress of shared habitats. Different personalities and temperaments are accommodated, and each cat is free to do as much – or as little – as they please.
The sanctuary is also open to visitors, with entry fees helping to keep the organization running, and the interaction enriching both human and feline lives. Visitor numbers are carefully managed to ensure the cats do not feel overwhelmed, and strict guidelines ensure that the well-being of the feline inhabitants is put first.
The cats at the sanctuary are available for adoption, should the right match present itself, but it is not the top priority here. In contrast to an animal shelter, where the primary focus is to find cats a forever home as quickly as possible, here at the RAPS Cat Sanctuary, they already have.
Visit the RAPS Cat Sanctuary website for more information on how you can support the wonderful work they do, including a one-off donation or monthly commitment, sponsoring a cat, volunteering at the sanctuary, corporate sponsorship, or visiting the cats.