Two cats die after being left in a locked basket in extreme heat

Two cats have died after being found locked in a basket left in extreme heat in Vilnius, as reported by animal welfare organisation Lesė and shared by LRT.

The organisation posted a video on Monday showing a basket containing a mother cat and her kittens, discovered near a location identified as Regitros in the Vilnius district. The animals were severely distressed, with body temperatures reaching up to 42°C. Symptoms included disorientation, dehydration, seizures, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

By Tuesday, the condition of the kittens had deteriorated further, with their temperatures dropping critically low—some below 33°C. Despite emergency care, the mother cat and one kitten, both in agonal states, had to be euthanised due to severe brain damage and unbearable pain. The mother cat had also suffered internal bleeding.

Some kittens have shown slight improvement after warming and medication, though they remain in critical condition. One kitten continues to exhibit severe neurological symptoms and is under close observation. Veterinarians may recommend euthanasia if its condition does not stabilise.

The organisation has filed a police report regarding the cruel treatment of the animals and is gathering further details about the incident. A fundraising effort for the cats’ medical treatment has been launched.