‘Incredible’ rescue cat gives birth to nine kittens
The local RSPCA team is currently caring for a young cat who has given birth to one of the biggest litters of kittens they have seen in years.
Three-year-old Lottie and her nine newborns were found straying, possibly abandoned, by a member of the public in Wold Newton.
The kittens, four girls and five boys, are doing well at the cattery, run by the RSPCA’s Bridlington, Driffield & District Branch, and Lottie, who was not microchipped or wearing a collar, has been described as an ‘incredible’ mum.
The branch has cared for 127 cats and kittens so far this year – a 41 per cent increase compared to the same time last year – and says rising numbers are because people are still not prioritising neutering.
Bridlington branch cattery manager, Sophie Gibbon-Roles, said: “Lottie is one incredibly brave and devoted mum.
“Bringing nine kittens into the world is no small feat, and pregnancy, birth and feeding such a big litter can take so much out of a mother cat. Yet she’s doing an absolutely amazing job, and her babies are thriving in her care.
“The kittens are now five weeks old and up and running around, although there are plenty of wobbles along the way. With such a large litter, we’re giving Lottie a helping hand and syringe feeding the kittens twice a day, alongside them still nursing from mum.
“It’s incredible watching them grow and seeing their different personalities start to come through. We’re very grateful to the member of the public who found them and ensured they got the help they needed.
“For now, Lottie’s whole world is these nine little faces and we’re helping her to keep them warm, clean, fed and safe.”
The branch, which is a separate self-funding charity, is appealing for supplies of kitten milk and mousse to help feed the family, and has thanked generous supporters who have already donated.
Sophie added: “It’s been an exceptionally busy year for cats and kittens. It's been a juggling act from the get-go. As soon as one cattery space becomes available, it gets filled up immediately.
“We are especially seeing a rise in young female cats coming to us pregnant and none of these litters have been small, averaging between four and six kittens, with the exception of Lottie who gave birth to nine.”
To adopt a cat from the Bridlington Branch, or to donate food for Lottie and her kittens, go to tinyurl.com/y8pf4myu (Facebook) or tinyurl.com/54ymjc38 (website).