In October 2025, Hurricane Melissa tore through Jamaica with catastrophic force. Severe flooding and powerful winds of up to 185 mph (298 km/h) devastated communities across the island, leaving thousands of street cats displaced in its wake.
Despite our emergency relief efforts, six months later, the crisis is far from over. Countless cats are still struggling to survive the aftermath of one of the most powerful Atlantic storms in history – and they desperately need your help today.
Six months after Hurricane Melissa, thousands of displaced cats in Jamaica are still roaming the streets and seeking shelter. Source: OnlyPaws
Thousands of cats across Jamaica are battling hunger, injury and disease – long after Hurricane Melissa has passed
The hurricane had a devastating impact on vulnerable cats, leaving many without food and medical care. Recovery will take time and we can only get them the support they need with your help.
In Kingston alone, our partner, OnlyPaws Cat Rescue, estimates that more than 10,000 displaced cats are roaming the streets – desperately scrounging for scraps in putrid alleyways and rubbish dumps. At the same time, they are suffering from parasite infections and highly contagious, often deadly diseases that thrive among unprotected cats.
Disease and infection are not the only threats these cats face. On busy city streets, they risk being mowed down by speeding vehicles, face hostility from people who see them as pests and suffer attacks from street dogs competing to survive.
Barbi was only two weeks old when she was found in a gutter. Her injuries were unfortunately so severe she had to be put down. Source: OnlyPaws
Every day, our partner finds cats with horrific injuries: severed tails, deep facial wounds and broken limbs – painful evidence of the harsh reality of life on Kingston’s streets.
These cats have nowhere else to go.
We can be the lifeline they so desperately need.
There is a huge increase in maggot infested injuries like this. Source: OnlyPaws
There are few dedicated or registered cat shelters in Kingston able to take in street cats for urgent medical care. But with your support, our partner can reach up to 500 cats in need in just three days.
We must act now – the cats depend on us. Emergency relief, such as vital food and medical treatments are essential for the welfare of these cats, who would suffer so greatly unless we step in.
Your gift today can change a street cat’s life in Kingston, Jamaica.
- With just $5 (£3), we can feed a cat for a day.
- With $25 (£18), we can vaccinate, deworm and treat one cat for parasites – giving them a real chance to survive on the harsh streets of Kingston.
The cats of Kingston need our help.With funding for vaccination, medical care and regular feeding programmes we can bring some relief to their suffering. Source: OnlyPaws
Your donation will help stop hunger and disease and ease the suffering of thousands of vulnerable cats still struggling to survive in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.
Please don’t wait. These cats cannot survive this crisis without us. Help now by donating as generously as you can today.
