Caring for Cats: Neutering, Food and Shelter

Over the past two months, Sinal do Vale has welcomed an unexpected but very special group of new residents. A stray mother cat found refuge on our grounds and safely gave birth to a litter of five kittens at Casa dos Lagos. Our team has been caring for them since their arrival, ensuring they receive proper nutrition, veterinary attention, and a nurturing environment as they grow.

The kittens are now eight weeks old—healthy, playful, and full of curiosity. Thanks to the generosity and support of our community and donors, we have been able to provide everything they need during this important early stage of life. We are thrilled to share that three of the five kittens already have adoptive families ready to welcome them into loving homes.

Our work continues as we seek families for the remaining two kittens and coordinate a long-term plan for the mother cat’s wellbeing as well. Your contributions make it possible for us not only to protect local wildlife and ecosystems, but also to respond compassionately to situations like this, ensuring that all animals at Sinal do Vale are treated with care and dignity. Thank you for helping us extend this circle of protection.

Our shelter dogs are usually out and about enjoying the sunlight and accompanying the team as we go about our daily tasks in the operations of SINAL. But every once in a while, they have a chance encounter with a hedgehog that never goes well.

This is torino, one of our pups, rushed to the vet after chasing after our spikey friend! The hedgehogs are very good at protecting themselves with the spikes and always leave unharmed. It is another story for the dogs. These accidents happen about two to three times a year, and despite our efforts, the dogs have not learnt to leave the hedgehogs alone. We have recently hired a trainer to help them learn, and hope this will create a lasting behavior change.

In the mean time, we sincerely thank our donors who help us deal with these and many other emergencies. Stay tuned for more stories!