23 July 2008

A poodle has proven to be a lifeline for two abandoned kittens by adopting them as her own.

Tammy, aged 11, has been looking after Grace and Rio since they were rescued after being dumped.

Ann Kitron, from St Francis Animal Rescue, decided to take over the care of the cats and told of her surprise when the poodle wanted to join in.

"When I first brought them back I wasn't sure if they would survive. I was feeding them with a syringe. I really didn't know which way it would go," she told the Shield's Gazette.

"But they are healthy now. Tammy is absolutely besotted by them - she's always cleaning them and taking care of them. They are a lot stronger now."

Ms Kitron stated that the abandoned kittens served as a reminder to owners to consider neutering their pet to cut the numbers of homeless cats.

Cats Protection revealed that kittens can be neutered from four months old.