RSPCA cattery in East Yorkshire cares for cat with unusually large litter
Young cat Lottie becomes mother to nine kittens at Wold Newton rescue
An RSPCA cattery in East Yorkshire is providing care for a young cat who recently gave birth to one of the largest litters of kittens they have seen in years.
Three-year-old Lottie, and her nine newborn kittens, were discovered roaming, potentially abandoned, by a member of the public in Wold Newton at the end of last month.
This extraordinary litter, consisting of four female and five male kittens, is thriving at the RSPCA’s Bridlington, Driffield & District Branch.
Lottie, who was not microchipped or wearing a collar, has been praised as an 'incredible' mother by the branch.
Sophie Gibbon-Roles, Bridlington Branch Cattery Manager, said:
“Lottie is one incredibly brave and devoted mum. Bringing nine kittens into the world is no small feat, and pregnancy, birth, and feeding such a big litter can take so much out of a mother cat.
Yet she’s doing an absolutely amazing job, and her babies are thriving in her care.
The kittens are now five weeks old and actively exploring their environment. With such a large litter, we’re giving Lottie a helping hand by syringe feeding the kittens twice a day, alongside them still nursing from mum.”
The branch has seen a 41% increase in the number of cats and kittens cared for this year, attributing the rise to a lack of prioritisation for neutering.
The branch is appealing for supplies of kitten milk and mousse to support Lottie and her large family, while expressing gratitude to those who have already donated.
Nationally, the RSPCA has around 3,000 cats in its care, at various facilities, which is unprecedented compared to the number of dogs.
Misconceptions about breeding contribute to rising numbers, with early neutering being crucial to prevent such occurrences.
The RSPCA advises that early neutering, for both male and female cats, can prevent numerous health and behavioural issues.
For those interested in adopting a cat or donating supplies for Lottie and her kittens, information can be found on the Bridlington Branch Facebook page and website.