Plymouth, September 5, 2024 — In a heart-wrenching turn of events, three newborn kittens have been rescued after their mother, believed to have been struck by a vehicle, was found deceased on a Saltash road. The tiny felines, just a day old, were discovered alongside their deceased sibling and were promptly taken into the care of the Woodside Animal Welfare Sanctuary.
The sanctuary, based in Elfordleigh, quickly mobilized a dedicated team to provide around-the-clock care for the orphaned kittens. Kirstin Stone, Woodside’s assistant supervisor, spearheaded the creation of a ‘kitten kindergarten’ — an initiative designed to offer specialized care for neonate kittens. This innovative program involves after-hours training for sanctuary staff, focusing on crucial aspects such as hand-feeding, temperature regulation, and general health care.
“Our staff have volunteered to stay late to receive specialized training in order to provide the best care for these vulnerable kittens,” said Stone. “At just two weeks old, Flynn, Bug, and Karen are still highly susceptible to various health issues and require continuous attention.”
In the early stages of their development, the kittens must be fed every two hours with a syringe. They need to be carefully positioned during feeding to prevent aspiration, which can lead to serious complications. Additionally, since they cannot regulate their own body temperature, a heat pad is essential to keep them warm. The kittens are also undergoing toilet training, a necessary step as they are currently incapable of self-regulation.
This rescue brings the total number of kittens hand-reared by Kirstin Stone at Woodside to 39, among a total of 17 kittens currently under the sanctuary’s care. Stone expressed her dedication to the cause, stating, “It’s incredibly rewarding to see these kittens grow and know that my efforts contribute to their well-being. Our team’s commitment and individual talents, from encouraging the kittens to sleep to ensuring proper toileting, are making a significant difference.”
The Woodside Animal Welfare Sanctuary remains committed to nurturing these fragile lives, with hopes of eventually finding them loving homes. As Stone noted, while the kittens are making progress, the journey is far from over, and continued vigilance and care are essential to their survival.
Related Topics
