A PLEA for people to keep their pets safe in the cold weather has been issued by the founder of a West Shields cats charity.
With below freezing temperatures in the borough during the past few days, Ann Kirton is reminding owners to ensure moggies are indoors at night.
The founder of St Francis Animal Rescue, based in Stanhope Road, South Shields, says the recent cold snap could pets’ lives at risk.
Ms Kirton said: “A lot of people allow their cats out at night. But with temperatures dropping to below freezing, it could put their life at risk – especially cats that are pregnant.
“We have had so many people contact us concerned about cats out overnight in this bad weather.
“More recently we have rescued a pregnant cat who gave birth to kittens not long after we took her on.
“What would have happened to her kittens if she had given birth outside? It’s just awful to think about.”
Ms Kirton is calling on owners to ensure their cats are not left out and, if they do go out, to make sure they can get back into the property or a place that’s warm and sheltered.
She says their feet should also be dried to stop them from getting chapped and to remove road grit or other substances that are sticky.
Drivers are also being asked to check their cars for cats, who may have crawled under vehicles to try to shelter from the cold.
Ms Kirton added: “Owners should also check cat flaps on a regular basis to make sure they haven’t frozen shut or become blocked by snow.”
St Francis Animal Rescue offers a rescue and re-homing service for cats found abandoned on the streets of South Tyneside.
Anyone able to offer a cat a home, contact the charity on 456 9613.
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