Neonatal kittens requiring constant monitoring while mom cat recovers
The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is currently caring for three newborn kittens and their mother, after they were recently discovered in Autumn RiverMA, by a concerned resident who noticed the mother cat was unable to care for the kittens due to severe injuries.
Community cats can be found in any city or town in Massachusetts, and it is estimated that there are 700,000 community cats living throughout the Commonwealth, including 70,000 in Boston alone.
the ARLs Field Services Department works regularly in the Fall River area, an area with countless community cats, and responded immediately when he received a call about these three kittens.
Due to her injuries, the mother cat was unable to care for her kittens, which greatly increased the emergency.
At just 4 weeks old, the kittens would have been in serious danger without intervention and care.
The kittens and the mother were trapped and transported to ARL Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Centerwhere they immediately received veterinary care.
The mother cat, now named Kiki, suffered from multiple puncture wounds and was also underweight.
The kittens suffered from upper respiratory infections and were given medication to control the infections.
Due to their age, the kittens were placed in foster care so they could be constantly monitored.
Despite their difficult experience early in their lives, the kittens are doing well and will be available for adoption in November.
About ARL’s Community Cat Program
Community cats face many challenges when living outdoors.
Without adequate shelter and care, they are at risk of illness and injury.
Additionally, without spay or neuter surgery, these cats can produce numerous litters and continue the cycle of large colonies of unowned cats.
Within the framework of the ARL Community Cat ProgramThe organization’s field service officers will respond to the call from residents who report a cat colony, investigating the colony to determine the number of cats and kittens residing in that area, the general health of the cats and whether or not it is a local resident. feeds them regularly and can continue.
After the initial assessment, a TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) plan is formulated for that particular colony.
TNR is one of the most humane and effective ways to stop the cycle of homelessness in cats.
Spay/neuter surgeries are low risk and are proven to improve the safety and health of these cats as well as the community as a whole.
The plan also includes vaccinations and whether each cat will be returned to the colony, returned to its owner if microchipped, or admitted to an ARL shelter to be put up for adoption if it is friendly.