Abandoned Kitten Recovers and Finds Permanent Home

Strawberry, a six-week-old kitten weighing under 500g (18oz) and suffering from an ulcerated eye, was discovered abandoned in a cardboard box alongside her mother and five siblings. She was transported to the Berkshire Cat Centre in Newbury after being found by a roadside in Reading. The feline has since received care, recovered, and been adopted by new owners. This incident has led to an appeal from the Cats Protection charity, urging cat owners against abandoning their animals. The charity reported that this year in Newbury, one in nine cats admitted into its care had been abandoned. Claire Lindley, Cat Protection’s senior rehoming and welfare assistant, stated that a “loving new home out there” exists for every abandoned cat. The cat welfare organization noted that such abandonment cases have increased by a third this year to date. Ms. Lindley affirmed that the charity offers advice and support to assist cats and their owners in “continue their journey together.” She further added, “We know tough times can lead to heart breaking decisions, but abandoning your cat should never be one, as it puts cats in danger.” Strawberry was identified as the smallest among the litter of kittens discovered by a member of the public. She received antibiotic treatment for a “painful” ulcer in her eye and was also provided with a specialized diet to aid in weight gain. The charity mentioned that the feline also exhibited a “fever coat,” characterized by an uncommon smokey tint to its fur with lighter silver tips. This condition is believed to develop when a kitten’s mother experiences poor health during pregnancy, though it does not impact the kitten’s long-term health. The Berkshire Cat Centre stated that, despite her difficult start, Strawberry proved to be a “playful and affectionate girl” and was adopted swiftly upon her full recovery, now “enjoying her forever home.” You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.