Four kittens who were abandoned at a McDonald’s in Ulverstone passed away on Saturday after spending 24 hours in critical care.
It is believed the one-week-old kittens were unable to fight off an infection from their umbilical cords because they had low immunity without their mother’s milk.
The kittens were about two-days old when they were found in a paper bag in McDonald’s on February 17.
The community rallied to support the McKittens with all four gaining financial sponsors and many calling kitten custodian Just Cats Tasmania to express their desire to adopt.
Rachel Beech, founder of Just Cats Tasmania, said the passing of the McKittens came as a total shock.
“This has truly been a heart-breaking day here at Just Cats. This message being one of the hardest that I've ever had to write,” Ms Beech wrote in a Facebook post.
“I'm so sorry they didn't survive. Just one week of life is all we gave them but at least it wasn't in a bin as it could have ended that way instead.
“Thank you to Caroline Dare and her family who have cared for them 24/7 since last Friday.”
Just Cats Tasmania’s Facebook page was flooded with messages of grief and support after Ms Beech announced the news.
“I've cried so many tears over these and the poor mum cat,” one person wrote on Facebook.
“I'm praying to god these horrible people are caught and brought to justice."
RSCPA is currently investigating the incident and reviewing CCTV footage in the McDonald’s restaurant.
Chief inspector Ray Kroeze is urging anyone with information to contact the RSCPA by phone or through its Facebook page.
Ms Beech said Just Cats was very appreciative of the financial support for the McKittens from the community.
She hoped sponsors of the McKittens would be happy for their money to go towards the 75 other homeless cats currently in Just Cats Tasmania’s care.
Ms Beech said that anyone with a pregnant cat can make use of Just Cats nursery.
“This service is heavily discounted and very affordable but a much better option than the desperate acts that some people do to rid of an unplanned and unwanted litter.”
