Pregnant cat shot three times survives to have kittens

A PREGNANT cat badly injured after being shot three times with an air gun survived to give birth to four healthy kittens.

She had been found in a garden in Marchwood covered in blood and unable to walk. Vets had to operate to remove one of the pellets which was still lodged in the roof of her mouth. The two others could not be safely taken out.

The cat, believed to be three years old, recovered enough to give birth to four healthy kittens just days after the operation.

Now an animal charity is appealing for help raising £500 to cover the cost of surgery and ongoing care.

Staff at the Southampton based Cats Protection were horrified to discover the extent of the feline’s injuries. They have named her Hope in recognition of her bravery and say she is now playing mum to her tiny offspring.

Branch coordinator Carolyne Kemp said: ““Hope needed further assistance when it was time for her kittens to be born, so she has spent a lot of time needing veterinary help.

“To get through such an ordeal and then give birth to four healthy kittens is really quite amazing. We are extremely grateful to the wonderful team at Seadown Veterinary Surgery in Hythe who took such excellent care of Hope after she had suffered through such a cruel and violent attack.”

“We are so glad we could save Hope and her kittens from what would have been a horrible and painful death if she had not been found. If we are lucky enough to raise more than the total needed to cover Hope and the kittens’ vet care, it will be used to help other local cats through our branch.”

Once the coronavirus lockdown is over and the kittens are old enough, they will be available for rehoming.

Donations to help cover the cost of Hope and her kittens’ care can be made at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/southampton-branch-cats-protection-hope