Animals In Need Column: Helping homeless cats to weather the cold snap

It is a hard enough life being a homeless cat in the summer but when temperatures plummet and snow threatens, it signals a miserable time ahead for Donegal’s community cats and for some, it will prove too much for their weakened bodies to take.

There are, however, ways in which we can all help them.

If you have a shed or garage, please consider leaving them open so that any freezing animal passing by can find shelter.

Putting down some straw for them in there is even better. 

Unlike blankets which absorb the damp and can make an animal colder, straw allows air to circulate so that it stays dry and is the best bedding for warmth.

The usual water sources may be frozen, so leaving out fresh water will prevent them from becoming dehydrated and if you can put some food out, that extra fuel in their bodies could make all the difference to a cat’s survival.

There are thousands of felines out there in the cold all around the county, including small kittens who are especially vulnerable.

A ten-week-old kitten called Chloe was found in Carrigart during the week and brought to Animals In Need’s (AIN) cattery.

Chloe was suffering badly with cat flu when she arrived.

She is a friendly little girl, who is responding well to treatment although her eye infection is taking longer to clear up.

Two stray cats were taken in after reports of their trouble making were received.

Burt is a stray from Letterkenny who was upsetting all the other cats in the neighbourhood whilst semi-feral Stuart was terrorising his community in Laghey to such an extent that several of his cat victims ended up at the vets with injuries.

Another stray cat in Milford called Leo was instead on the receiving end of bullying and was being constantly attacked by other cats in the neighbourhood.

Leo was sick and emaciated when he was brought in and unfortunately he tested positive for FIV and FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) and had to be put to sleep which was a great shame as he was such an affectionate, friendly cat.

Meanwhile, fluffy black cat Noah, who was surrendered recently because he was unneutered and therefore spraying around his home, had his trip to the vets this week.

Whilst being neutered it was discovered that he had Feline Cryptorchidism, which is an undescended teste.

Although this genetic disorder may seem unimportant, it makes the cat more susceptible to testicular cancer and testicular torsion, which is less common but also serious.

Luckily Noah’s condition was discovered before any complications arose and he is ready for a new home.

There was heartbreak for the AIN volunteers at the weekend, when white kitten Anton suffered a freak fall and sustained a fatal injury. Despite an emergency dash to the vets, he died shortly after arrival.

Anton had been found in September after he was dumped in a box at the side of the road. 

He was in a bad way when he arrived, suffering with cat flu.  

Anton was finally ready for his forever home after receiving dedicated care but tragically it was not to be. RIP little Anton.

The dog rescuers have also been busy behind the scenes.

Sadly, they frequently deal with cruelty cases, full details of which cannot be initially disclosed in case a prosecution against the person or persons responsible for the cruelty arises, as this could affect proceedings.

A German Shepherd was recently taken in to foster care from such a situation in South Donegal. 

The dog was very underweight and had an injured paw and was about to be put down when AIN stepped in and instead took the dog into their care.

The dog is now receiving the necessary treatment and is being well cared for. When she has been fully assessed, she will be found a loving home.

Please note that AIN do not rehome animals over the Christmas period and will be closing for adoptions on Sunday, December 11 until after the New Year.

Finally, tickets are on sale for AIN’s fundraising Christmas Draw, with fantastic prizes on offer. Further details are on AIN’s Facebook page.

To help AIN’s animals, please donate €2 to AIN’s ‘Help Us To Help Them’ fundraising appeal via your phone by texting the word ‘KITTEN’ to 50300. Every last cent goes directly to the rescued animals for their food, bedding, vet bills, worming treatment and vaccinations.

For further information on adoption, fostering, volunteering etc, please contact the main helpline on 087 1356188. Animals In Need Donegal is also on Facebook and has a website at http://www.animalsinneeddonegal.com

For cat/kitten enquiries please call 087 7644420.