Stray kittens hand-reared after being found living on the streets in East Grinstead

Magic, Wizard and Spider were aged around four weeks old when they were taken in by a man who had found them fending for themselves around the town centre without their mother.

They were taken to the centre, in Lewes Road, Chelwood Gate, where staff hand-reared them and took them home each evening to feed around the clock.

Deputy Manager of Cats Protection’s National Cat Adoption Centre Karen Thompson said: “The gentlemen who brought them in had found them on the streets but sadly could not find their mother.

“We don’t know what happened to her but she had clearly done the best she could do to raise her kittens. Life for unneutered stray female cats is very tough, and she would have given all her strength and energy to her kittens.

“Although the kittens were very hungry they were in fairly good condition considering they had been living on the streets. Because they were still so young, they were not yet weaned and needed to be hand-fed by our staff during the night as well as the daytime.

“Now they are nearly nine weeks old they are full of beans. They have all been neutered and are ready to find loving new owners.

“It is sad to think of their mother still living as an unneutered stray and this story is an example of why it is so important to have cats neutered. Cats are prolific breeders and one female can have around 18 kittens a year.

“It’s not just a problem for stray cats. If you don’t have your pet cat neutered, it will go on to breed and result in more unwanted and abandoned kittens on the streets.”

Cats Protection offers financial support towards the cost of having your cat neutered. To find out more call 03000 12 12 12 or visit www.cats.org.uk/what-we-do/neutering/financial-assistance

To find out more about adopting Magic, Wizard or Spider, or any of the 150 other cats and kittens currently being cared for at the National Cat Adoption Centre, visit the centre or get in touch by emailing [email protected]

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