AN ISPCA INSPECTOR discovered 44 cats at one property in Meath after receiving a call from a concerned member of the public.

The charity said today that it received a call to its National Animal Cruelty Helpline and inspector Elaine Reynolds went to the Meath property. There she discovered “a large number of cats allowed to have bred uncontrollably”.

A total of 44 cats and kittens were surrendered to the ISPCA and transferred to the National Animal Centre in Longford for veterinary assessment. The property had originally housed three cats, but they had multiplied to this number in just three years as none were spayed or neutered.

ISPCA Alastair is one of the cats looking for a new home now. ISPCA

While the charity said the cats were found to be healthy, it said it was “a dangerous overcrowding situation” as their numbers were increasing at such an unsustainable rate that it was “only a matter of time before more serious welfare issues arose”.

ISPCA Elsa is also looking for a forever home. ISPCA

Reynolds said this situation could have been prevented if the owner had neutered or spayed the three cats initially.

“We need pet owners to be responsible by spaying and neutering their cats or kittens as early as possible. Our centres are consistently at capacity, and it is vital that pet owners help us tackle the issue of pet overpopulation.

ISPCA One of the cats, called Aideen, taken from the house in Meath. ISPCA

“Neutering and spaying is the most effective way to prevent cat over-breeding and it will go a long way in preventing unwanted litters of kittens from being born in the first place.”

She said spaying and neutering also has overwhelmingly positive benefits in reducing the risk of certain cancers and curbing behavioural issues.

The ISPCA is now appealing for new homes for these cats and anyone interested can get in touch with the charity here.

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