Kittens rescued in Raleigh fire have a sad ending at Wake shelter
Five kittens rescued from a West Raleigh fire on Saturday had to be euthanized shortly after arriving at Wake County Animal Center, according to staff.
Paramedics reported rescuing at least 14 young cats from a fire on Method Road, which heavily damaged one house.
Animal Center Director Jennifer Federico said the center received only five kittens from the emergency clinic, but they were only five days old and required bottle feeding. Others may have been picked up by owners or scattered at the scene.
The center put out unsuccessful pleas for adoption, but was unable to keep such young cats overnight without constant care.
“They should have still been with Mom,” she said.
Wake’s animal center took in 210 animals and had 57 adopted in February, the most recent monthly report. A guide to pet adoptions can be found here: https://www.wake.gov/departments-government/animal-services/pet-adoptions.
The center has not euthanized any animals for space this year, but as of the February report had 50 put down for aggressive behavior or major medical issues and four for moderate behavior issues, upper respiratory illness or age.
This story was originally published May 27, 2025 at 12:16 PM with the headline "Kittens rescued in Raleigh fire have a sad ending at Wake shelter."