National: Kitten sanctuary asks for funds as it faces 'worst food crisis in years'

An Irish kitten sanctuary has appealed to the public for funding as it faces the "worst food crisis in years".

The Kitten Cottage Animal Sanctuary in Virginia, Co Cavan, has published a GoFundMe page in hopes of raising enough money to buy cat food and care for the abandoned pets who turn up there.

Over 20 years in business, the kitten and cat sanctuary is a non-profit organisation ran by a woman called Maire, who in that time has saved and rehomed over 11,000 cats and kittens.

Saying that a donation helps to relieve "the suffering of these poor defenseless animals, however small", the organiser of the fundraiser, Sonia Fitzpatrick, says that "every donation can help".

"Due to rising costs in pet food and the increasing cases of cats and tiny kittens being surrendered or dumped, they need your help badly," Sonia writes.

"We all have experienced the wonderful joy our fur-babies bring, but not all cats and kittens are so lucky to get a loving, warm home. People like Maire provide a wonderful sanctuary and service for homeless cats and kittens, and with a little help from us, we can ensure that at least, they have a bowl of kibbles."

While Maire gets a government grant of nearly €14k annually, she says it costs over €24k a year to run her animal sanctuary and thus, says she needs the 'much-needed' help from the public when possible.