An influx of cats in the Portage Retention Centre has led to staff asking for people to call and adopt.

Kyle Adamski, with the city of Portage's bylaw enforcement, says even after the city announced majority of the cats have been adopted, they currently have more cats than usual looking for a new home, with majority of them being kittens. He explains how they come across the animals that end up in the centre.

"We'll get calls about mother cats with kittens in public, so we'll go out and trap them or try and get them off the street," notes Adamski. "Just to make sure they're not harmed and that we can get them into good homes."

He adds the forest fires are actually playing a large role as to why they can't send the cats to the rescue facilities that they normally would go to. He says that since beginning his role with bylaw enforcement here last year, it's been very rare that all of the rescue shelters are filled up.

He says that it's free to adopt, but explains that there is a process for being approved for adoption.

"What we ask people is that we will conduct a home inspection just to make sure that the home is suitable," says Adamski. "Animals might exceed the four limit per household in the city, so we don't want to create excess animal permits."

He adds three months after the adoption they will check in for another inspection to ensure the safety of the animal. The city will also supply coupons for spay and neuter treatments for the cats for the Portage veterinary clinic if you adopt through them.

To enquire about the cats, call 204-239-8326.