Family matters for cats co-mothering kittens

Two cats are co-mothering their litters of kittens at our Thirsk rehoming centre.

Laurel and Heidi arrived in our care last month, along with four adorable kittens, Cloud, Rain, Drizzle and Puddle.

Two of the kittens are smaller than the other two and are about one week younger, but both mums are sharing the duties of caring for all four children.

Amy Younger, a Blue Cross Animal Welfare Assistant, said: “Both mums are sharing the responsibility of cleaning, toileting and feeding the kittens and because of their close bond we believe they are mother and daughter themselves.

“It isn’t uncommon for this to happen, but this is only the second time we have seen this here at Thirsk.”

We’ll take care of the family until the kittens are old enough to leave their mums, then we’ll find all six cats loving new homes.