GUELPH, ON (March 2, 2026) – The Guelph Humane Society (GHS) is urging residents to keep their cats indoors following a recent increase in deceased cats found throughout the community.
In the past two weeks alone, GHS team has responded to a total of six calls involving cats found deceased outdoors, a significant increase over last year. While the exact cause varies, it can include vehicle strikes, wildlife encounters, extreme weather, illness, disease transmission from other animals and other hazards. The common factor is that the incidents occurred while cats were roaming alone outside.
“Cats are beloved members of our families, and we know how devastating it is for owners to receive news like this,” said Katherine Leonard, GHS’s Senior Manager, Community Services. “Keeping cats indoors is the single most effective way to protect them from preventable injury or death.”
According to the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, indoor cats typically live significantly longer than those allowed to roam unsupervised outdoors.
Beyond individual safety, keeping cats indoors also supports local wildlife conservation. Humane Canada notes that free-roaming domestic cats can have a substantial impact on songbird and small mammal populations.
GHS encourages cat owners to consider alternatives to free roaming:
- Provide ways to stay active indoors, including climbing structures, scratching posts, window perches, and interactive toys.
- Consider leash and harness training to allow supervised outdoor time.
- Install secure outdoor enclosures, often called catios, to provide enrichment and fresh air without risks.
- Ensure cats are microchipped and wear visible identification in case they escape.
Residents who encounter a stray, injured or deceased animal are asked to contact the Guelph Humane Society at 519-824-3091 or email Info@guelphhumane.ca so the animal can be handled safely and, when possible, reunited with its family.
“Our goal is not to alarm the community, but to prevent further heartbreak,” Leonard says. “By working together and keeping cats safe at home, we can reduce these tragic outcomes.”
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Photo Credit:
Samantha Westphal
In Photo: Professor, a one-year-old cat in the care of the Guelph Humane Society since late January after being struck by a vehicle. She is recovering from her injuries and will undergo a leg amputation surgery once she is strong enough.
About the Guelph Humane Society
The Guelph Humane Society advocates for all animals, and particularly those animals whose lives it can influence, through care, education, community support, protection, and leadership. Founded in 1893, the Guelph Humane Society provides care and shelter for approximately 3,000 homeless, stray, injured and abused animals each year in Guelph and Wellington County. GHS is a registered charitable #119236305RR0001, non-profit organization that does not receive government funding. Visit www.guelphhumane.ca to discover more.
Follow GHS:
Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, @guelphhumane
Media Contact:
Jane Dawkins
Director, Communications and Community Engagement
Guelph Humane Society
519-824-3091