Leitrim Animal Welfare Centre issues plea after tragic arrival of orphaned kittens

A representative from Leitrim Animal Welfare Centre has said their hearts are ‘heavy’ after a sad incident this week that highlights the harsh reality feral cats face, and the consequences of not spaying.

A mother cat, described as ‘wild but gentle,’ had been surviving with the help of a local woman who regularly fed her. The cat returned each day for food, but on May 26, the cat was tragically struck and killed by a car.

She left behind five small kittens who were just eight days old. “Their eyes are not even open to the world yet and already they’ve lost the most important thing they'll ever know – their mother,” a spokesperson said.

The incident draws attention to the tragic cycle that regularly affects feral cats – many are killed on roads, leaving behind vulnerable litters. More often than not, these kittens aren’t found in time.

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“Every unneutered cat means more kittens born into a life of struggle,” a post on Facebook read. “Most aren’t as lucky as these – most don’t get found.”

These orphaned kittens are now under the care of Leitrim Animal Welfare Centre. They require bottle feeding every three hours, including through the night. Without human intervention, they would not have survived even a single night without their mother.

Leitrim Animal Welfare Centre is pleading with the public to stop if they’ve had an accident involving an animal. They urge people to check if the animal is alive, or nursing, as they may have babies hidden nearby.

“And if nothing else – please don’t let them suffer alone,” the statement said.

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The welfare centre is close to completing a new cattery, which they say will be lifesaving for cats in Leitrim. They are also ‘desperately trying’ to expand their Trap, Neuter, and Release (TNR) Programme, which they describe as the only humane way to end this ‘heartbreaking cycle.’

To support this, Leitrim Animal Welfare Centre has set up a GoFundMe page. Megan Gaffney explained that neutering each cat costs €100, including travel expenses to remote areas.

“Please speak up. Please spay and neuter. Together, we can stop the suffering,” the statement concluded.