19 Kittens Found in a Box - Ottawa Humane Society

Sept. 25, 2025 — On Tuesday night, 19 kittens were found in a box in Riverview Park and brought to the Ottawa Humane Society. The kittens were among 42 cats admitted to the OHS in a single day.

“We are glad the kittens are at the OHS and getting the care they need,” said Sharon Miko, OHS President & CEO. “We know that not being able to care for a pet can cause a person a lot of moral distress. Our message to the community is that the OHS is here to help.”

Some of the 19 kittens are healthy and some are sick and receiving veterinary care at the OHS. Of the 42 cats, most were found as strays.

“Cats are the animals we see the most of at the OHS,” Miko continued. “Compared to dogs, lost cats have a shockingly low rate of being claimed by their owners. Only about 10% of lost cats at the OHS are ever found by their family.”

The OHS is reminding the community that if a pet goes missing, to check in often at the shelter and complete a lost pet report. From spring to early fall, the animal population at the OHS reaches its highest point. Kitten season, where cats reproduce during warm weather, is a driving force behind the surge.
“If anyone has a pet they cannot care for, please contact the OHS,” Miko added. “We have programs to support you in keeping your pet. If staying together isn’t an option, we are here to accept your pet into our care with no fee and no judgement.”

The Ottawa Humane Society’s Wiggle Waggle Walk & Run is happening Sunday, Sept. 28 at Lansdowne Park. The event is the shelter’s biggest fundraiser for the animals and helps make life-saving care possible for Ottawa’s homeless animals.

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Media Contact
Ottawa Humane Society
Stephen Smith, Senior Manager: Marketing & Communications
stephens@ottawahumane.ca