Cat lovers feline alarmed at number of kittens abandoned
DSPCA appeal for familes to foster
THERE has been an “alarming” 7% increase of abandoned kittens being presented to the DSPCA since last year.
The charity is now asking people to foster a baby kitten for two to six weeks until they are ready for vaccination at eight weeks old.
Spokesperson Brian Purcell said: “This is the time of the year, between March and September, cats usually start breeding at an alarming rate so this leads to a massive spike in the cat population.”
Last year saw more than 700 kittens saved by the animal organisation who are now calling for foster families.
One positive trend seen by the DSPCA is an increase of parents with young families volunteering to look after abandoned kittens. Parents see fostering a way for them to give their kids some responsibility and it is usually just a temporary arrangement.
DSPCA’S Becky O’kane said: “We always have has very generous older teams of fostering volunteers whose children have flown the nest but lately we’re finding many younger families who are willing to foster.
“Small kittens don’t take a lot of work, you just have to be gentle in handling such small animals.
“When people foster, not only are they saving lives and getting a feeling of fulfilment
HELP but they are also setting the kittens up for life where they can go on to a wonderful family where they’ll live out their lives happy and cared for.”
DSPCA supporter, Lottoland’s VP of global corporate affairs, Laura Pearson, added: “We are always in awe at the immense work that the DSPCA carries out supporting thousands of innocent abandoned animals each year.
“We love supporting charities like this one and hope the public come onboard with them for their latest fostering appeal.”