Laois SPCA launch fundraiser for neutering stray cats

The Laois Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Laois SPCA) have launched a GoFundMe fundraiser to support their Trap, Neuter Release (TNR) campaign.

'TNR' focuses on humanely trapping wild cats to calmly transport them for neutering. Once the cats have recovered from the surgery, they are then either adopted or released.

This effort is to keep the amount of stray cats low, for the sake of both mothers and kittens.

"TNR is a vital part of our work, we receive calls daily in relation to stray cats and kittens," said Finn Ryan, Chairperson of Laois SPCA and head of the TNR team.

"It's not a widely known fact, but a cat can have kittens from the age of four months," Ms Ryan said.

Pictured: One kitten caught through the TNR campaign is like a different cat after a few months of care

"They will also continue to have litter after litter, until their body can no longer produce them. This means that a four month old kitten could have a litter of nine kittens, already adding to a perpetual cycle. Life is so, so tough for a feral cat, and we do all that we can to help them," she said.

"When feral kittens go through the adoption process, we will trap and neuter them. It's especially helpful if we can get them by the time they are 10 weeks old, so they can be socialised.

Once through the adoption process, kittens are neutered, vaccinated, and treated for parasites.

"When a cat is spayed, they need less calories, and they won't have litters that may take more from them too. I have seen scrawny little cats with dull coats be spayed, and turn into the most gorgeous, shiny, chubby little cats," Ms Ryan explained.

The charity have seen a significant uptick in reports of feral cats in the Mountmellick area.

"We aren't fully sure if there is a bad situation in Mountmellick, or if we have succeeded very well in raising awareness in the town. We receive many calls from the area about litters, not just singular cats," said the Chairperson.

"We're happy to receive these calls, and urge people to continue to notify us when they notice stray animals or litters. Even if you are just feeding a wild cat, please let us know so we can help," Ms Ryan finished.

You can donate to Laois SPCA's fundraiser here.