Shock in Troisdorf: Six kittens helplessly abandoned in a box!

Shock in Troisdorf: Six kittens helplessly abandoned in a box!

There was recently a worrying incident in Troisdorf that once again sparked the discussion about the responsibility of cat owners. Six newly born kittens were abandoned in a shoebox outside the local animal shelter. The incident was discovered on Monday evening around 9 p.m. by an employee who happened to be on assignment and came across the helpless creatures when she returned. It remains unclear whether the little balls of fur would have survived the night in the box if the employee hadn't happened by. But thanks to their efforts, the kittens were allowed to move into the animal shelter, where they have been well looked after since Tuesday morning.

The kittens' first few days went relatively well. A mother cat at the animal shelter only has one kitten, so the animal shelter staff “cheated” three of the little cats, while the other three continue to be cared for by the staff. Numerous animal lovers have already pledged food donations for the baby cats, which eases the burden on the facility, which takes in many cats every day. Helga Berben, the chairwoman of the animal protection association, comments on the situation and appeals for the obligation to castrate, identify and register outdoor cats in the Rhein-Sieg district.

The obligation to castrate and its meaning

Despite the existing regulations, many cat owners do not adhere to them, which leads to cases like the one in Troisdorf. Berben shows no understanding of the repeated abandonment of animals and offers help. This situation is by no means isolated; The German Animal Welfare Association already reported in its “Cat Protection Report” about the increasing number of animal protection associations that have contact with street cats. In 2023, 566 animal welfare associations were surveyed, and the trend shows that the problem of uncontrolled cat populations is widespread.

Castration, which is usually carried out as a routine procedure under anesthesia, can help here. The ovaries are removed from female cats and the testicles from male cats. The benefits are many: fewer unwanted offspring, reduced risks of injury and disease transmission, and a lower risk of traffic accidents due to the search for mates. According to information, the cost of castration ranges between 150 and 250 euros, in some cases even up to 300 euros. An important point that many cat owners don't think about.

An appeal to cat owners

The incident in Troisdorf could be a wake-up call not only for the kittens themselves, but also for the cat owners affected. Helga Berben and the animal shelter team are available to provide advice and support to promote responsible cat ownership. The Animal Welfare Association emphasizes the importance of outdoor cats not only being neutered, but also identified and registered so that the animals can be treated responsibly.

The influence of such measures should not be underestimated: the animal protection associations surveyed that work with street cat populations showed that the situation is much easier to manage in areas where castration is mandatory. Dogs from the region can therefore be sure that their four-legged friends live in a well-protected home if cat owners fulfill their obligations.

It is to be hoped that more cat owners will understand the responsibility and prevent tragedies such as the abandonment of kittens in the future. Ultimately, it is not only the task of the animal shelter to save the little abused creatures, but also that of the cat owners, who have to ensure the well-being of their animals.

For further information about castration requirements and animal protection in general, those interested can visit the website Cologne City Gazette, des German Animal Welfare Association and the platform Help cats now visit.