Meet Mickey, a tiny kitten who has already suffered far more than any kitten should ever have to endure.

Mickey is just one of many cats living in a large colony in a house in our local area. With no neutering in place, the colony has continued to grow rapidly, with more kittens being born into an environment where cat flu, injuries and a lack of food have become a heartbreaking reality.

Sadly, the kittens are suffering. With so many cats living together and competition for scarce food, some of the little ones are being injured by the more dominant adult cats.

When Mickey came into our care, he was estimated to be just seven weeks old. His eye injury was one of the worst we have ever seen, particularly in such a tiny, fragile kitten. Our vets confirmed that he would have been in an incredible amount of pain.

To give Mickey the chance of a happy, pain-free future, he needs an operation to remove his damaged eye. Although this is a heartbreaking start to life, we know that with the right veterinary care, Mickey can recover, adapt and go on to enjoy a wonderful life with a loving family who will spoil him rotten.

But Mickey is just one little life in a much bigger crisis.

There are other kittens in the colony suffering from similar injuries, and some may need the same major surgery. We estimate that there is around 35 kittens that may need to come into our care, each requiring assessment, treatment and, where needed, urgent veterinary attention.

Alongside this, there are more than 25 adult cats who urgently need neutering and vaccinations to help prevent further unwanted litters, reduce the spread of disease and stop this heartbreaking situation from continuing. These adult cats will also need to come into our care and find new placements.

The scale of this situation is enormous for our charity, both emotionally and financially. Every cat deserves the chance to live a life free from pain, hunger and fear, but we cannot do this without your help.

Every penny raised will help us provide the care these cats and others desperately in need.

We know that not everyone can donate, but if you can spare anything at all, no matter how small, it really could make a difference to Mickey and the many other cats who need us.

If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing our appeal with your friends and family. Helping us spread the word could be just as valuable.

Mickey deserves the chance to grow up without pain. The other kittens deserve the chance to thrive, and the adult cats deserve a healthier future.

Together, we can give Mickey and his colony the chance of a better life.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for caring, for supporting our work and for helping us be there for cats who have nowhere else to turn.

Cats Protection help more cats than any other organisation and we want to help millions more. We are a dedicated community of passionate employees, volunteers, supporters and partners, working together to make life better for millions of cats and the people who care for them.

We are the voice of cats in society and we speak up for their protection.

We’re working towards a society where every cat is treated with kindness and respect.

Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Find out more: www.cats.org.uk