A trapped kitten was rescued with an injured leg from a suburb south-east of Perth, prompting a warning from RSPCA WA for cat owners to sterilise their pets.
The RSPCA received a call on Thursday from property owners — who initially believed the cat was dead — that a black and white kitten was found trapped between a fence and a garage in Langford.
They then called back shortly after saying the kitten was actually alive — with staff naming the 12-week-old kitten Zombie as a result.
The animal rescue group has since issued a warning to cat owners that ‘kitten season’ is here and to desex their pets to avoid stray litters.
Kitten season refers to the warmer part of the year when cat breeding spikes.
“We’ve had 129 cats and kittens come into care since November 1,” RSPCA WA’s shelter coordinator Richelle Beswick said.
“Unfortunately, Zombie’s story is not unique. Every year we treat kittens who have been injured or dumped.
Credit: RSPCA WA
“Please, if you are the owner of an unsterilised cat, talk to your vet about desexing as soon as possible, and to your property.”
Beswick said cats can begin breeding as young as 16 weeks and get pregnant easily.
“With so many owned and unowned fertile cats roaming in the community, the result is an influx of unwanted kittens, which in turn puts a strain on animal rescue groups.
“Richelle said sterilising cats had benefits beyond just unwanted litters — they are also less likely to get mammary cancer and uterine infections.
The shelter staff are taking great care of Zombie who is on the mend and looking for a new home.
“Thankfully, a pair of neighbours found and rescued Zombie so we can fix his broken leg and hopefully find him a loving home,” Beswick said.
