The ISPCA is appealing to members of the public to consider adopting a cat or kitten if they are considering getting a new pet - as they revealed over 100 are waiting for a new owner.
Two of the catteries across the country are now full to capacity and waiting lists are getting longer as a result.
Many ISPCA rescued cats are left behind when their owners moved house or were no longer willing to look after them.
In other cases cats and kittens were dumped, lost or their owners had sadly passed away.
To help ease the pressure on the centres and staff, the ISPCA are asking for the public's help.
PR Manager Carmel Murray said: “We are struggling to find new owners to adopt so many gorgeous cats and kittens and our catteries in Longford and Donegal are full to capacity, with a waiting list of more cats and kittens to be admitted.
"For a limited time, we are reducing our adoption donation to €35 for mature cats and €25 for kittens until 10 th October 2021.
All cats and kittens are vet checked, vaccinated, treated for parasites, litter trained, neutered/spayed and kittens when of age so even a small adoption donation will help us cover some of our veterinary costs.
Carmel added: “Cats and kittens are naturally independent, making them perfect companions for people with busy lifestyles and they love nothing more than to sit on a lap to be cuddled or lounge in front of a warm fire”
The ISPCA are urging pet owners to spay or neuter their cats and kittens as early as possible to prevent accidental and unwanted litters. In nearly all cases, spaying and neutering have overwhelmingly positive benefits:
- Spaying and Neutering reduces the risk of certain cancers;
- Positive effect on health and lifespan;
- Curbs unwanted behaviour and marking;
- Prevents unwanted litters of kittens;
- Un-spayed cats are seven times more likely to develop mammary cancers than those spayed at puberty. 80% of feline mammary tumours are malignant;
- Neutering reduces fighting and unwanted territorial behaviour in male cats by over 80%;
- Spaying/Neutering is a very simple procedure completed under anaesthetic and the recovery time is usually very quick;
- Kittens generally should be neutered or spayed at four months of age but speak to your vet for advice.
If you are interested in adopting one of the adorable felines, please visit the ISPCA website rehoming page here.
