Cats Canada in Politics and Society

Cats in Canada have a significant presence in politics and society. In fact, a 2019 survey found that 40% of Canadian households own a cat.

Canadian politicians often use cats to connect with voters. For example, Justin Trudeau's cat, Clementine, has appeared on social media, increasing the Prime Minister's online engagement.

Cats are also an important part of Canadian culture, with many festivals and events celebrating feline-themed art and literature.

Cat breeds in Canada are diverse and numerous, with the Canadian Cat Association (CCA) recognizing over 40 breeds. The CCA is a well-established organization that has been around since 1960.

The CCA recognizes breeds such as the Abyssinian, American Bobtail, and Bengal, each with its own unique characteristics. Some breeds are known for their long hair, while others have short hair.

Here is a list of some of the recognized breeds by the CCA:

Cats in Canada come in a variety of coat colors and patterns, including solid colors, tabbies, tortoiseshells, and calicos.

The Canadian Cat Association recognizes 45 breeds, including some that are quite unique. These breeds have developed over time through natural selection or intentional breeding.

One of the most popular breeds is the Abyssinian, which is known for its distinctive ticked coat. The American Bobtail is another popular breed, coming in both longhair and shorthair varieties.

Some breeds are specifically known for their short or long hair, such as the American Shorthair and the Persian. The Persian is one of the most recognizable breeds, with its long, fluffy coat.

Cats can also be divided into long-haired and short-haired breeds, with some breeds having both varieties. The Exotic and Foldex breeds are examples of this.

Here's a list of some of the long-haired breeds recognized by the Canadian Cat Association:

These breeds are just a few examples of the many domestic breeds recognized by the Canadian Cat Association.

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Canada is home to a wide variety of exotic cat breeds. The Canadian Sphynx is one such breed, known for its lack of fur.

This sleek and wrinkled breed is the result of natural mutations and selective breeding. They are often described as " Velcro cats" due to their affectionate nature.

The Canadian Sphynx is not the only exotic breed found in Canada. The Devon Rex is another unique breed, characterized by its curly, soft coat.

Their intelligence and active nature make them a great fit for families with older children.

Coal, the last surviving resident of the Parliament Hill cat sanctuary, was a celebrity in his own right, appearing in a Japanese television show and an American documentary about feral cats.

He even ran for Prime Minister in 2015 on an animal welfare platform, showing that cats in Canada can get involved in politics too.

Coal's owner, Danny Taurozzi, has been his primary caretaker and has helped keep the memory of the sanctuary alive through Coal's bilingual Facebook page with several thousand followers.

The Parliament Hill cat sanctuary in Ottawa was a permanent home for about thirty cats from 1970 until its closure in 2013.

Coal, the last surviving resident of the sanctuary, had a cameow in a Japanese television show and appeared in an American documentary about feral cats, "Ten Lives".

Groundskeepers initially fed the cats where they found them, but later they were given a permanent home with Irène Desormeaux and René Chartrand as their principal caretakers.

Coal, at age sixteen, is the final surviving cat of the sanctuary and has felt a responsibility to keep its memory alive through his bilingual Facebook page with several thousand followers.

Coal ran for Prime Minister in 2015 on an animal welfare platform, but unfortunately, he was unsuccessful.

Many politicians have had cats as pets, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has two cats named Joyce and Orso.

Their pets often play a significant role in their lives, providing comfort and companionship.

Some politicians have even taken their cats on official visits, such as when Governor General Julie Payette brought her cat, Nuvol, to Rideau Hall.

Their cats are often featured in official photos and on social media, showcasing their personalities and quirks.

The Trudeau family's cats, Joyce and Orso, have been spotted in official photos and on social media, giving Canadians a glimpse into their personal lives.

In Canada, domesticated cats contribute to the extinction of 34 species of birds worldwide, with BirdLife International estimating that cats kill between 100 to 350 million birds annually.

Canada has a staggering number of pet cats, with around 10 million, and an additional 2 million stray or feral cats, making a total of 12 million cats.

More than half a million cats languished in shelters in 2011 because no homes could be found for them, and only less than one per cent of cats are returned to their homes after being found in shelters.

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Domesticated cats have contributed to the extinction of 34 species of birds across the world, according to BirdLife International.

In Canada, roughly 100 to 350 million bird deaths are attributed to our beloved cats every year.

Cat populations are far from healthy in Canada, with more than half a million cats languishing in shelters in 2011 due to lack of homes.

Unowned cats are a significant problem, as they kill more birds per cat than their owned cousins, but pet cats still kill a huge number of birds - between 40 and 140 million a year in Canada alone.

The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies urges cat owners to keep their pets indoors unless the cat is supervised, on a leash, or in an enclosure.

Cats and birds can peacefully coexist in the same household, but it requires some effort and planning.

In Canada, where many people keep birds as pets, it's not uncommon for cats and birds to live together. In fact, a survey found that 60% of Canadian bird owners have both cats and birds in their home.

To minimize the risk of conflict, it's essential to introduce the cat and bird gradually, allowing them to become familiar with each other's presence, scent, and sounds. This can be done by keeping them separated at first and then gradually increasing their interaction time.

According to experts, cats are naturally curious creatures and may view birds as prey, but with proper training and socialization, they can learn to coexist peacefully.