Veterinarians, Staff Working Around the Clock to Ensure Kittens’ Survival
BOSTON, March 17, 2025 – The MSPCA-Angell is pulling out all the stops to save the lives of two very small, roughly three-week-old domestic shorthair kittens who are the sole survivors from their litter, the organization announced today.
The kittens were among three surrendered from an Essex County home on March 7.
“The kittens were covered in fleas, which caused severe anemia—something that’s a problem for any animal, but it’s deadly for young cats like these,” explained MSPCA-Angell Vice President of Animal Protection, Mike Keiley. “Their red blood cell counts were critically low.”
An emergency blood transfusion was performed in the Larson Kelly Community Clinic in Boston immediately after the kittens arrived.
“We’ve been doing everything we can to keep these kittens alive,” said Keiley. “Unfortunately, one of them didn’t make it, but we’re cautiously optimistic we can save the other two.”
The Case for Spay/Neuter
The kittens came from a home where they were living with seven other cats—three of which were not spayed or neutered. Two of their littermates died before the MSPCA-Angell was called in for help.
“This situation highlights the importance of spay/neuter and the problems that arise when resources aren’t available,” Keiley explained. “Their owner loves these cats but is older and dealing with their own medical issues that, coupled with the challenges of finding affordable spay/neuter, led to this.”
MSPCA Law Enforcement continues to work with the kittens’ owner to get the remaining cats the care they need, including flea/tick treatment and preventatives.
The cats who need it will also get spayed/neutered, and the surgeries will take place on a very significant day in the fight to stop a resurgence of homeless animal overpopulation in Massachusetts.
200 Surgeries in a Single Day!
The Essex County cats will be among 200 animals getting spayed or neutered during the MSPCA-Angell’s Giving Day on March 20, a goal Keiley says is necessary to address a critical backlog that, if not remedied, could see the number of homeless animals in Massachusetts spike.
“Our local intake numbers have increased steadily over the past several years, something that shelters across the state are seeing as well,” he explained. “Spay/neuter is a vital piece in stopping that, but the procedures are often challenging to get because of a shortage of veterinarians and support staff, as well as a lack of facilities in many areas.”
“Of course, cost is also a huge barrier,” he added, noting that MSPCA Community Clinics have a waitlist of several months for spay/neuter surgeries.
“Given how large the backlog is, we need to take action now, which is why we’re committed to doing hundreds of surgeries in a single day—a lofty, but necessary goal.”
The procedures will take place across MSPCA clinics, as well as in Springfield—where the organization will work with MASS coalition partner Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center (TJO). The Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society is also partnering on the event.
Help These Kittens—and Many More Animals in Need!
The kittens are expected to remain in the MSPCA’s care for roughly five more weeks before the organization will begin searching for their new homes.
“It’s too early for us to start thinking about adoption,” elaborated Keiley. “Right now, our focus is on making sure the kittens survive and getting them fully healthy.”
“But we do have plenty of other young cats in our care who are ready for new homes now, if people are looking to adopt sooner,” he added.
Those who would like to donate to help offset the cost of caring for these kittens, as well as the MSPCA’s spay/neuter efforts are asked to donate at mspca.org/givingday.
