Cat and her kitten found in banana box by Blue Cross

The pair were covered in fleas when the team at Blue Cross in Burford opened the box.

The team named the mother Chiquita after the brand of banana and the kitten Mr Del Monte.

They were checked over by vets who found the mother had a head tremor, likely congenital, but luckily the condition isn’t one that will cause her any pain or limit her life in any way.

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Elisha Webber, animal welfare assistant, said: “Chiquita really struggled when she arrived and was very wary of us after her ordeal but as she got to know us she really came out of her shell.

“Thankfully her head tremor does not cause her any pain and she can go on to live an otherwise healthy life.

“Meanwhile being a youngster Mr Del Monte was very adventurous and inquisitive while he was in our care.

“We’re so happy to have found them both loving new homes so quickly and it’s great to hear they’re settling into their surroundings so quickly.”

Mr Del Monte, now called Joey by his new owners, has settled into his new home well.

Owner Amy said: “Joey has been an absolute dream. He has settled in so well and from day one of bringing him home, has strutted around the house like he owned the joint!

"He is super confident and was not fazed by his canine and feline brothers, even though they were much bigger than he was.

“I have owned cats all my life, but Joey is just something special.

"He is your typical boisterous and bouncy kitten and loves nothing more than a rough and tumble with our Cavapoo, Bodhi.

"He also has the most amazing personality, is super affectionate and loves a cuddle.

“When we first saw Joey and his mum at the Burford rehoming centre, I knew instantly that we had to make him part of our family.

"He has given us so much joy already and hopefully will for many years to come. Joey had a rough start to life but is now king of his castle.

"A true rags to riches story.”

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Chiquita has also been renamed Isla and her new owners Sarah and Michael Bullen said: “She is a healthy and beautiful cat with a lovely mild temperament and loves to be stroked and groomed.

"Her confidence has grown and she is starting to assert her authority over the local cat population just like the Queen she is.”

Blue Cross is appealing for help to continue its work by fundraising, providing foster care for pets, volunteering at pet food banks, or signing up to support Blue Cross campaigns for better pet welfare.