Mum and kittens get the greatest gift of all
A loving home and a lifetime of happiness
Abandoned at Blue Cross gates, crammed into a carrier and heavily pregnant, Elphaba must have been terrified.
Just two days after being left outside our Hertfordshire rehoming centre last December, she gave birth to six kittens. Very sadly, one was stillborn. But the remaining five were healthy and strong.
Naomi Gosheron-Parr, Adoptions Coordinator, says: “When Elphaba arrived, you could tell straight away she was heavily pregnant. And she had fleas. She was hiding at first, but soon started letting us give her a fuss.”
Pregnant cats normally like to nest and feel settled in an established space, so Elphaba struggled when she went into labour so quickly – and needed to lean on the centre team for extra support.
“But she has been a really good mum, really doting,” says Naomi.
As the all-male litter was just old enough to go to new homes by Christmas Eve, they were all given suitably festive names – Bauble, Starlight, Claus, Tinsel and Twinkle.
“She’s particularly close to Claus; he’s always by her side. He was the last kitten to start eating,” says Naomi.
The five kittens soon started their search for loving families. And it wasn't long before they were spreading festive cheer in their new homes.
Tinsel's adopter, Susan, who renamed him Alfie, says: "He is doing so well. He has Storm and Charlie. They are much older and have taken him under their paws - we call them the three mouseketeers.
"Alfie is a very social cat. He has bonded so well with us, and we are very happy as he brings so much happiness to our lives."
After spending Christmas in Blue Cross care, which included plenty of fuss and tasty food, Elphaba also found the fresh start she deserved. She was also neutered to prevent any further unplanned pregnancies in the future.
Two other cats abandoned alongside her, called Arthur and Merlin, have found a loving home together.