Poorly kittens abandoned in box under a bush in Coleraine

The white-and-grey kittens were thought to be just six weeks old and far too young to be able fend for themelves.

The Good Samaritan passer-by who found them in the Windyhall area contacted the Coleraine Branch of Cats Protection for help, where volunteers were concerned about how frail they looked and immediately took them in to care.

A hasty trip to the vets revealed they were underweight and full of worms, although thankfully there were no other obvious health problems.

Branch coordinator Alison Hagan, said: “It was one of the worst cases of worms that we’ve seen, with some as long as four inches, which were causing severe sickness and diarrhoea.

“We gave the kittens the names Jessie and Alicia, and we were particularly concerned about Jessie, who started the slightly bigger of the two but lost weight because she was so ill. But with worming treatment, careful monitoring and good quality food, we managed to bring them both round and they are going from strength-to-strength.”

Now eight weeks old, Jessie and Alicia are ready to be adopted to new caring families, putting their awful start in life behind them.

The fear of an increase in abandoned cats and kittens is particularly concerning this year as vets were unable to carry out routine neutering at the height of lockdown restrictions, with predictions of an extra 84,000 unwanted kittens being born in the UK.

Now vet practices are largely able to return to their normal case load, Cats Protection is providing financial support, via a voucher scheme, to Northern Ireland residents on low incomes to get their cats neutered for just £5.

The offer is open to owners receiving state benefits, students and pensioners. Vouchers issued by the charity can be used at all vets in the country who have signed up to the scheme. Microchipping for £5 is also available at participating practices.

Alison added: “We would urge those eligible to take full advantage and get their cats neutered as soon as possible to stop the cycle of unwanted litters being born.”

To access the supported neutering vouchers please contact your local vet practice directly, or for more information about neutering contact Cats Protection’s dedicated helpline on 03000 12 12 12 and select Option 2 (9.30am-4.30pm, Monday – Friday).

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