Newborn kittens dumped in Swansea park

A member of the public found the box at Ravenhill Park next to a path on Friday (24 February) with five kittens inside as well as a child’s pink dressing gown. One kitten had already died and sadly a further two died shortly after.

The two kittens – one ginger and white and the other tortoiseshell – were just a few hours old when they were found with their umbilical cords attached. They are now in RSPCA care after being initially taken in by the kindhearted person who found them.

RSPCA inspector Sophie Daniels is currently hand rearing them – until a foster carer is found to continue their round-the-clock care. 

“For many inspectors like myself, the work does not stop when we get home at night as often we end up bringing home animals and fostering pets that need round-the-clock care like these two kittens,” said Sophie.

“The two kittens are just so tiny – they can both fit in the palm of my hand. They are probably the smallest kittens I have ever had. Over the weekend they have been feeding well and are now around four days old.”

RSPCA Cymru is now calling on anyone with any information about how these kittens came to be abandoned to contact the inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

“It is very sad that they were just left on their own in a box,” said Sophie. “We understand that times are tough at the moment, but there is never an excuse to abandon an animal like this and especially young kittens who are very vulnerable and far too young to be away from their mum. We hope that their mum is okay too. 

Sadly, we see so many litters of kittens dumped because often owners have made a quick decision on getting a cat and can no longer cope, or the kittens have been an unplanned litter.

“Kittens may look cute but the reality of caring for them can be hard work, time consuming and costly. We, and other cat and vet organisations, believe the solution to this crisis is to neuter cats from four months old before they can become pregnant and therefore would avoid these unwanted litters.”

The RSPCA is providing dedicated cost of living support for worried pet owners, with a recently-opened telephone helpline on 0300 123 0650 and an online hub, which has lots of practical tips and advice, including details of pet food bank schemes.

(Lead image: RSPCA)