A CONSTANT influx of unwanted kittens arriving at a charity’s doors has reached peak levels, with cat carers now calling on the public for help.
Cats Protection’s Evesham Adoption Centre, along with its neighbouring volunteer-run Worcester branch, has witnessed an ever-growing swell of the vulnerable, tiny cats since kitten season began in April.
Now the excess of young felines, many of whom are not yet old enough be away from their mothers, has combined with a slow-down in adoptions which means space for needy cats and stocks of kitten food are becoming scarce.
The charity’s centre and branch currently have 67 cats in care between them and almost the same number again on their combined waiting lists, meaning for every cat that is homed, another is ready to take its place.
Dan Smith, rehoming and welfare assistant, said: “This kitten season has been really tough for all of us in the county and it’s showing no sign of slowing down.
“We’ve only got two fosterers volunteering at the centre at present and they are both already looking after litters of kittens, so along with other staff here at the centre I’ve set myself up as a temporary fosterer.
“It means we are able to take orphaned kittens home with us to ensure they get the 24-hour feeding and nursing they require.
“Unfortunately, now 75 per cent of the cats in our care are kittens, we’re struggling to keep up with demand for kitten food. As fast as we feed them, they’re hungry again,” he added.
To donate some kitten food, visit the centre’s wish-list or drop it off at the green shed at the centre on Pitcher’s Hill in Wickhamford or in the centre’s food bins at Tesco or Morrisons in Evesham.
Further information about volunteering to be a fosterer can be found at www.cats.org.uk/evesham/volunteering and about neutering at www.cats.org.uk/neutering.
To find out more about Cats Protection’s Worcester and District Branch and Evesham Adoption Centre, visit www.cats.org.uk/worcester or www.cats.org.uk/evesham or call the branch on 01905 904058 or centre on 01386 833343.
