Toronto's Smallest Homeless
"Toronto has a cat problem. They are turning up everywhere - hurt, lost, unwanted and abused. Their owners rarely claim them. Toronto Animal Services shelters receive 12,000 cats annually. Seven percent of them are claimed by their owners. This leaves more than 11,000 homeless cats in the GTA each year."

Toronto's Cat Crisis
Toronto Cat Rescue (TCR), a non-profit community group, says there could be as many as half a million unwanted cats living on the streets of Toronto."

Helping Control the "Wild" Cat Population
Feral cats are a byproduct of companion animal overpopulation and have been overlooked for decades by most communities. People's neglect of domestic pet cats has resulted in abandoned, lost and purposely 'discarded' unsterilized cats. Raised without human contact or interaction they are generally wary and fearful of humans. Despite the high mortality rate among the kittens, the feral cat crisis continues, especially in urban areas. Stray and lost cats survive by finding the easiest source of available food by scavenging through garbage and leftovers and from handouts provided by sympathetic people.

Should you get a cat?
Your cat will depend on you throughout its life, and with proper care may live 15 years or more. Are you willing and able to care properly for it and provide a stable home for that long? An astonishingly high percentage of cats change owners at least once in their lifetimes, and that does not count those that didn't make it out of the shelter. Don't get a cat without prior budgeting for vet visits and other costs. Normal veterinary care includes yearly shots and boosters, tests for worms, and examination for typical diseases as needed.

Adopting a Stray or Abandoned Cat
"Adopting stray or abandoned cats can have many rewards. Many people say they are so happy that they could save the life of a wonderful animal by giving them a new and loving home. It is estimated that 4 to 6 million cats and dogs are euthanized in animal shelters every year. Shelters are filled with animals who were and could continue to be great pets and a cherished member of the family."

Turning a Stray Cat Into A Pet
Cats that had previously been pets make the transition most easily. Once a cat has indicated her willingness to interact with people, a little food and a lot of patience can induce all but the most wary to become friends and, even better, grateful and loving owned pets. Stories abound of cats marching into a home they have chosen, and announcing by their actions that they are there to stay.

Sheila Walker's Guide to Kittens
If you are thinking about getting a new kitten or maybe you just want to learn a bit more about them this guide will teach you about the care, development, and behaviour of kittens of all colours shapes and sizes.

Don't be afraid to adopt a black cat
Black cats are often the hardest pets to place because people still have supersitions about them. Find out why a black cat can be the best pet of all.

Choosing the right cat
You may have heard the saying, "You own a dog, you feed a cat." It's true that cats value their independence a bit more than their canine counterparts. But if you've ever been around cats, you already know they actually crave and require love and companionship.

Acquiring a new cat - things you need to know
Deciding to get a cat is a big decision and there are many options to consider. Can you afford the cat and give it proper care? Where should you get your cat or kitten? Find answers to these questions and more.

Should you adopt an older cat or a kitten?
Depending on your age and lifestyle, you may be better off adopting an adult cat.

Adopting an older pet

Don't be afraid to adopt a black cat

"Any new cat, but particularly a rescued stray or one from a shelter must be physically isolated from your resident pets for 10 to 14 days to make sure he is not incubating a contagious disease. He must be thoroughly examined by a veterinarian for parasites and disease and tested for FeLV (feline leukemia, which is contagious between cats) and FIV (the feline equivalent of AIDS, contagious between cats) before it will be safe for him to come into contact with your Resident Cat. It also is not unusual for stray or shelter cats to have URIs (upper respiratory infections or "kitty colds"); it is better to avoid exposing your Resident Cat."

Should I get another cat?

Bringing home a second cat

Introducing a new cat to your current pet (cats and dogs)

For more information check out some cat books