Cat and her kittens abandoned in freezing park
The RSPCA is investigating after a cat and her four kittens were found abandoned in a park in the freezing weather.
The animals were discovered when a woman was driving along Golden Hillock Road, Birmingham, on Saturday night when a tiny kitten ran in front of her car.
The woman found the cats dumped in Akers Park and took them home, before contacting the RSPCA.
RSPCA inspector Herchy Boal was called to collect the frightened cats.
She said: “A lady was driving along when one of the kittens darted in front of her car. She managed to stop and got out to check he was okay.
“That’s when she saw the Walker’s crisp box nearby. Mum was sat beside the box and one kitten was outside running around while the others were huddled inside the cardboard.
“It was below freezing on Saturday night so I’m certain the poor kittens could well have perished if they’d not been found by this lovely lady. They’re only a few weeks old and are extremely vulnerable.”
Inspector Boal collected them and took them to the charity’s Newbrook Farm Animal Hospital nearby.
“We’re in this midst of a spell of extremely cold and treacherous weather so for someone to decide to abandon a mother cat and her kittens in this is just despicable,” Inspector Boal said.
“Thankfully, this lady was able to take them home and keep them warm until we could collect them and we’d like to thank her for her kindness.
“Now, I’d like to hear from anyone who might know where these cats have com“Anyone with information which could help our investigation can get in touch by calling our appeal line on 0300 123 8018 and leaving a message for me.”
The cat, now called Disco, and her six-week-old kittens - KP, NikNak, Pringle and Skip - are being cared for by staff at the RSPCA’s Newbrook Farm where they are doing well.
“Sadly, this is something the RSPCA seems all too often, mums and their litters or kittens all on their own being abandoned by owners who ended up with unplanned kittens,” Inspector Boal added.
“This is why we urge all cat owners to get their pets neutered or spayed to avoid even more unwanted litters. The RSPCA is inundated with kittens every year and us, along with other charities, are struggling to cope with the strain this puts on resources.
“Please, please get your cats neutered or spayed.”