The German Animal Welfare Federation fears a flood of so-called “spring kittens” that could push many animal shelters to their limits in the coming weeks. At the same time, countless kittens born to stray cats die unnoticed and in secret. The federation is therefore once again strongly calling for a nationwide mandatory neutering requirement for outdoor cats.
“We must assume that countless stray kittens will die in agony again this year,” says Thomas Schröder, President of the German Animal Welfare Federation. Since all stray cats originally descend from unneutered outdoor cats from private households, a nationwide mandatory neutering requirement for outdoor cats is urgently needed to reduce the suffering of millions of stray cats and prevent the overburdening of animal shelters. “As long as the federal government fails to act, the suffering and death will continue,” Schröder criticizes.
COUNTLESS STRAY KITTENS DIE YOUNG
Kittens born on the street are at massive risk: 99 percent of the young animals are sick, and 69 percent are even seriously ill. “Many suffer from infectious diseases such as feline rhinitis, malnutrition, or parasitic infestations,” explains Dr. Dalia Zohni, specialist advisor for companion animals at the German Animal Welfare Federation. Without adequate care, most of these animals have little chance of survival. While political leaders remain inactive, animal shelters and animal welfare organizations bear the brunt of the burden: They care for stray cats, as well as unwanted kittens that have been abandoned or given away by their owners.
Flower Campaign to Raise Awareness
To draw attention to the plight of stray cats, the German Animal Welfare Federation is launching a special participatory campaign this spring: A seed paper in the shape of a stray kitten can be ordered for free and planted. It grows into a forget-me-not flower—a symbol for stray cats that must not be forgotten. Anyone who shares a photo of it using the hashtag #DontForgetStrayCats helps raise awareness and sends a message of compassion. More information about the campaign can be found on the website for the “Every Cat’s Life Counts” campaign: www.jetzt-katzen-helfen.de/blumenaktion
