Kittens with deformed tails found abandoned

Five kittens, four of whom have deformed or no tails, are receiving around-the-clock care after being found abandoned.

Patricia, Patrick, Pamela, Pauline, and Petunia arrived at The Cotswolds Dogs & Cats Home in Gloucestershire about two weeks ago after a member of the public found them.

They were thought to be five weeks old when they arrived, staff said they were “far too young“ to be without their mother, and were very frightened, they assumed because they were not used to humans.

"They are gaining strength and beginning to realise that people are here to help them," a spokesperson for the shelter said. "But their story is also a reminder of the much bigger kitten crisis we are facing."

Four of the five were born with abnormalities. Two were born without tails, while two have small, stumpy and deformed tails.

The kittens have been receiving regular feeds throughout the day and night, are being litter trained, and are having their weight and development monitored while gradually being taught to trust people.

All five kittens have gained weight and strength since arriving, an are slowly becoming more confident around people.

"When these five kittens arrived, they were tiny, frightened and completely dependent on us," the spokesperson said.

The Cotswolds Dogs & Cats Home is urging cat owners to consider neutering their pets to help prevent unwanted litters and reduce the number of kittens entering rescue centres.

For every litter entering the shelter, there are costs associated with veterinary checks, vaccinations, food, bedding, and medication.

According to CATS Protection, 1.5 million cats in the UK (15%) are not neutered.

The Cotswolds shelter is appealing for donations to help cover the cost of caring for the kittens.

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