Stray cat Lottie produces unusual litter of nine

A rescue cat has given birth to nine kittens - one of the biggest litters the RSPCA's Bridlington branch has seen in years.

Three-year-old Lottie and her offspring - five males and four females - are being cared for at a cattery run by the RSPCA's Bridlington, Driffield and District Branch.

Typically, a cat has four to six kitten in a single litter, according to the RSPCA.

Cattery manager Sophie Gibbon-Roles said: "For now, Lottie's whole world is these nine little faces and we're helping her to keep them warm, clean, fed and safe."

Lottie, who was not microchipped or wearing a collar, was found wandering in Wold Newton a few weeks ago by a member of the public.

Gibbon-Roles described Lottie as "one incredibly brave and devoted mum".

As the five-week-old litter is so large, the branch is helping Lottie by syringe-feeding the kittens twice a day.

"It's incredible watching them grow and seeing their different personalities start to come through," Gibbon-Roles added.

The Bridlington branch has cared for 127 cats and kittens so far this year - a 41% increase compared to the same time last year.

It said rising numbers are due to people are not prioritising neutering. The branch also warned overbreeding could lead to more kittens being born with infections.

Gibbon-Roles said: "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."

She added: "Every unwanted litter adds to the growing number of cats needing homes, placing more pressure on already overwhelmed rescues.

"Neutering isn't just about stopping unwanted kittens, it's about preventing a cycle that can lead to suffering."

Donations of kitten milk and mousse are requested to help feed the litter.

To adopt a cat from the Bridlington branch or to donate food, visit their website.

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