ISPCA urges public to spay/neuter cats as kitten season overwhelms resources

Padraig Conlon 10 Jul 2025

With kitten season in full swing, the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) is issuing an urgent appeal to cat owners and animal lovers across the country, to spay or neuter their cats to help prevent the ongoing crisis of overbreeding and animal suffering.

Currently caring for nearly 90 cats and kittens, the ISPCA’s cattery resources is stretched to capacity.

ISPCA National Head of Animal Welfare, Denise McCausland is calling on the public to take action and said:

“We are urging cat lovers to consider adopting a rescued kitten or even two.

“Not only will you gain a loyal and loving companion, but you will also be helping free up much-needed space in our catteries, so we can rescue even more animals in need.

Fuzzy

“Many of the kittens we’ve take in required urgent veterinary care that could have been avoided, if the adult cats had been spayed or neutered.

“This simply procedure is one of the most effective ways to reduce unnecessary suffering and we all need to play our part in helping to reduce the cat over population.

“We would encourage anyone feeding and caring for a cat, to do the right thing and speak to your vet today”.

“All cats and kittens adopted from the ISPCA are fully health-checked, vaccinated, treated for parasites, microchipped, and spayed/neutered (or will be, once they are of age).

“Whether you are new pet parent or have a lifelong love for animals, now is the purrfect time to open your heart and your home.

“Kittens make wonderful companions, they’re full of energy and affection with their playful nature, providing endless entertainment with their curious antics.

“Studies have shown that caring for a pet can significantly reduce stress and anxiety”.

Siena

How You Can Help:

Adopt: Provide a forever home to an ISPCA rescued pet (or two).

Foster: Offer a temporary home and help ease the pressure in ISPCA Centres.

Donate: Contribute by donating food, toys, supplies or financial support

Spread the Word: Share your ISPCA pet’s story on social media and tag the ISPCA to inspire others.

With so many adorable kittens currently in ISPCA care, waiting to find their permanent, loving homes, adopting a pet in ISPCA care is needed more than ever.

For more information on how to adopt or support the ISPCA’s work, visit: https://ispca.ie/adoptions/

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