SPCA and HKJC join forces to raise awareness of cat welfare

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has become the title sponsor for the inaugural SPCA x HKJC SumMEOW Festival, a month-long initiative launching in August to raise awareness of cat welfare in Hong Kong.

The festival coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Cat Colony Care Programme (CCCP), which has transformed cat welfare in Hong Kong by providing free-of-charge desexing, vaccinations, microchipping and preventive treatments for over 86,000 street cats since 2000.

Given that 99% of the SPCA’s operating costs rely on public support, the festival aims to raise awareness about cat care, promote responsible ownership, and generate vital funds to support the life-changing work of the CCCP through an array of events, workshops, and merchandise.

Kicking off on 5 August, the SPCA Jockey Club Centennial Centre (SPCA Tsing Yi Centre) will showcase a cat takeover, including stunning cat figures from the JEKCA collection in the G/F Atrium, offering a photo opportunity while highlighting the importance of street cat welfare. Visitors can also explore the centre to find six additional cat figures and participate in a fun-filled scavenger hunt, testing their knowledge of cat welfare in Hong Kong.

From 16 August, the CCCP-themed exhibition on the 1/F will commemorate 25 years of success in improving cat welfare and managing street cat populations with engaging, informative displays. Meanwhile, the centre’s exterior will come alive with vibrant cat-themed artwork by local artist Maf Cheung. The cat adoption areas will also have cat-theme takeover to inspiring visitors to adopt a furry friend and provide them with a loving home.

Complementing the events, SPCA will launch SUMMEOW IN THE CITY collection, including stickers, summer canvas jute bags, scratch boards, and mats. The collection will be available for priority pre-sale at the Hong Kong Cat Expo 2025, and will later be sold at all SPCA centres and online retail stores.

From 23 to 24 August, a two-day event will unfold, featuring an array of treats, toys, and customisable products. Visitors can also participate in fun-filled workshops, including balloon twisting, face painting, name tag creation, and toy making.

On the first day, four industry experts will lead in-depth discussions at the SPCA Tsing Yi Centre focused on enhancing the lives of cats in Hong Kong. A HK$50 registration fee applies, with all proceeds going to the CCCP. On the following day, SPCA's veterinary surgeon Barnaby Howarth will conduct 10-minute cat health checks for registered cat owners, sponsored by pet food brands PURINA and PRO PLAN.

Supported by the CARE@hkjc volunteer team, the event will also provide on-site logistical assistance, along with extensive support from volunteers of the Balloon Twisting Team and CARE Painters. Meanwhile, pet photographers Danny Kwan and Kenneth Kwan will capture photos of furry friends during the event.

On 9 and 16 August, the SPCA will host a range of educational courses at Hong Kong Centre, covering topics such as basic cat care, myth-busting feline misconceptions and caring for senior cats, teaching cat owners necessary knowledge about taking care of their pets. These courses will provide cat owners with essential knowledge to better care for their pets. PURINA and PRO PLAN will be donating HK$50 on behalf of each participant towards the CCCP to enhance cat welfare.

To encourage engagement, SPCA is offering discounts on the online "A-Z cat care takeaway course" with promo code until 31 August. Until 31 August, individuals who sign up for or renew SPCA membership will receive cash vouchers valued at up to HK$500. Additionally, those who sign up for a monthly donation of HK$100 or more to any programme, or make a one-off donation of HK$388 or more to the CCCP, will receive a limited-edition CCCP cat reusable bag.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to SPCA for more information.

Don't miss: SPCA raises awareness of pet dental health with new campaign

Early this month, SPCA launched a campaign to raise awareness about the importance of pet dental health and provide pet owners with the resources, knowledge and tools, to keep their pets’ mouths healthy.

Also known as "Bright smile", the campaign addresses the alarming fact that over 80% of pets over the age of three suffer from dental disease, many of which go unnoticed by owners until they cause severe pain or health complications, according to VCA Animal Hospitals.

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