On 14 October, rescuers announced on Facebook that they had saved two very sick kittens.
The poor little creatures had been given away via an advert claiming: "Healthy kittens free to a good home."
A misleading listing
However, the reality was entirely different. The two young cats arrived at the shelter terribly ill, showing deeply alarming symptoms. The kittens were extremely thin, weighing barely 1.3 lbs each.
Medical examinations revealed they were suffering from severe cat flu, a serious infection that affects a cat's airways and eyes. In their case, the kittens not only had difficulty breathing, but their eyes were so full of pus that they struggled to open them.
Raising awareness
Faced with their alarming condition, the charity decided to speak out to highlight the responsibilities that come with animal birth and rehoming. Caring for a litter of kittens involves far more than just finding new owners. It is vital to provide all necessary veterinary care and ensure they leave in good health.
The charity also raised another issue: neither kitten was microchipped. In France, microchipping is a legal requirement before any cat is transferred, whether sold or given away. Offering a pet for free does not exempt owners from this obligation.
The shelter also stressed the importance of neutering. Neutering your cat prevents unwanted litters and reduces the number of kittens born without proper care. Les Patounes de Bezons is calling on everyone to take responsibility so that future litters do not suffer the same fate.
Translated from the FR Wamiz website using artificial intelligence