Blue Cross ‘mitten’ kittens give thumbs up to a new home
Blue Cross ‘mitten’ kittens give thumbs up to a new home
A litter of five kittens from Blue Cross Felixstowe are hoping to hitch a ride to a new home after being born with extra toes which look like they have thumbs.
The five month old kittens, known as polydactyl or ‘mitten’ cats, were discovered abandoned in a back garden before being taken to Blue Cross rehoming centre in Walton, Suffolk, where they are being cared for until new homes can be found.
The charity team take in around 250 cats and kittens every year, but staff soon noticed that these particular felines had something ‘extra’ special about them; additional toes on their paws.
Andy Gillon, Centre Manager at Blue Cross Felixstowe said: “We might get the odd cat with an extra toe, but to get an entire litter of polydactyl cats is really unusual. Cats normally have 18 toes but all the kittens in this litter have extra digits – one even has 26 toes!”
The kittens, named Norris, Murdock, Angus, Rodric and Kai, were born outside and because they missed out on early socialisation, can be shy at first so need understanding owners who will give them time to settle.
Andy adds: “These kittens have come such a long way since they came into our care in December last year. They were extremely nervous and didn’t enjoy interacting with people. Our staff and volunteers have spent a lot of time with them, building their confidence and getting them used to human company. They’re ready to be rehomed now but we are looking for owners who will help them blossom into happier, more confident cats.”
Blue Cross is one of the UK’s leading pet charities and last year took in over 8,000 unwanted pets, like Norris, Murdock, Angus, Rodric and Kai. The charity receives no government funding and is totally reliant on public donations.
If you can offer a second chance to one of these polydactyl kittens, please contact Blue Cross Felixstowe on 0300 777 1480 or visit www.bluecross.org.uk.
ENDS
Notes to editors
· The Blue Cross animal rehoming centre in Felixstowe has been helping homeless and abandoned animals in the region since 1970. The centre finds loving new homes for hundreds of dogs and cats every year and also runs a veterinary clinic for the pets of people who can’t afford a private vet. To contact the centre call 0300 777 1480 or drop in at 333 High Street, Walton, Felixstowe, IP11 9QL (please call ahead for opening hours).
· Blue Cross has been dedicated to helping poorly, injured and abandoned pets for over 100 years. We opened the world’s first animal hospital in 1906 and since then our doors have never closed to sick and homeless animals.
· Today we run four animal hospitals and 12 rehoming centres across the UK, which provide treatment and seek happy homes for thousands of cats, dogs, small pets and horses every year.
· Blue Cross actively campaigns to improve all aspects of animal welfare, working with the government, schools and others to improve the lives of pets and their owners. For more information, please visit www.bluecross.org.uk.
Media contact
Lisa Graham, Media Officer, 020 79324063, 07860 519716, [email protected]