Emergency declared in cat shelters across Denmark as over 200 abandoned cats await homes

A state of emergency is currently underway in cat shelters across the country, with more than 200 cats in need of permanent homes. The chairperson of the Villikatta organization has reported numerous instances of people abandoning their pets when relocating or going on vacation.

Both Villikatta and Kattholt shelters are overflowing with abandoned cats. Jacobina Joensen, chair of Villikatta, expressed concern over the unprecedented strain their resources are under this summer. “We naturally find space for all of them, but we need help. Everything is filling up with both adult cats and numerous kittens,” she stated.

The main challenge is that many pet owners do not microchip their cats, making it difficult to reunite them if they stray away. Additionally, there are instances where people leave their cats outside when they go on holiday during the summer.

“There is a substantial mix of cats here. I’m noticing a significant increase in people allowing their unchipped and unneutered kittens to roam outside,” Joensen added.

Villikatta operates as a no-kill organization, meaning that cats will not be euthanized, even in cases of overcrowding. However, Joensen urges those who can help to step forward.

When asked if the organization would give up, she firmly replied, “No, no, no—we will never give up. I mean, look at them.”