The Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) is facing its busiest year on record, with an unprecedented surge in the number of cats and kittens requiring urgent care and rehoming.
Currently, the USPCA is providing shelter to 100 cats and kittens, a significant increase of 100% compared to this time last year. Among these, several mother cats, known as queens, and their litters make up 23 of the kittens currently in their care.
Siobhan McHaffie, Director of Operations at USPCA, highlighted the severity of the situation: “Amara was just a baby herself when she came to us, heavily pregnant and already in labor. She gave birth to four kittens, all of whom are now under our care. We’re seeing an alarming rise in abandoned new mothers being brought in. We have 85 kittens needing care and new homes, along with their mothers. We are urging all cat owners to please neuter their cats and kittens.”
Cats can become pregnant as young as four months old and are capable of having another litter just weeks after giving birth. On average, a single cat can produce up to 24 kittens per year, potentially leading to over 240 kittens in their lifetime.
The charity is struggling to manage the costs of caring for so many unwanted cats and kittens. However, they have been heartened by donations of much-needed kitten food from the public. While in the care of the USPCA, each cat and kitten receives comprehensive veterinary treatment, including neutering, vaccinations, microchipping, and flea and worm treatments. This ensures that adopters can take home a healthy, happy pet for a relatively modest adoption fee of £78 for cats and £98 for kittens.
The USPCA continues to appeal to the community for support and urges those considering pet adoption to come forward and help provide loving homes for these animals in need.
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