Blue Cross in Burford calls for kitten foster carers

Blue Cross in Burford sees a rise in the number of unwanted and abandoned kittens arriving at its animal rehoming centre every summer.

Many have been abandoned by their mothers and left to fend for themselves while some are part of an unplanned litter which owners are unable to care for.

Kittens from Blue Cross in Burford (Image: Blue Cross)

Motherless kittens require round-the-clock care including hand-feeding every few hours until they gain strength.

Some kittens reach the centre requiring immediate veterinary attention due to flea anaemia, a condition which makes the kitten very weak, may cause blindness if untreated and can even be fatal.

Hannah Wiltshire, centre manager at Blue Cross in Burford, said: "Sadly, we take in a lot of homeless kittens and pregnant cats over the warmer months.

Kittens from Blue Cross in Burford (Image: Blue Cross)

"With additional concerns around the cost of living crisis potentially putting owners off getting their cat neutered, we are worried that this year will see us taking in even more than usual.

"We aim to find them a foster home instead of caring for them in our cattery because it is vital for them to be around the usual household sights and sounds to enable them to grow into happy and confident adult cats."

Currently, the team at Burford and its volunteer foster carers are looking after several kittens and cats including Eliza and Turvy.

Turvy (Image: Blue Cross)

One-year-old Eliza was brought to the centre as a pregnant stray and gave birth to five kittens in a foster home.

Turvy, a seven-week-old kitten, is one of four born to a two-year-old cat whose owner could no longer cater to her needs.

Eliza (Image: Blue Cross)

The charity is calling out to animal lovers to join its team of volunteer foster carers.

These carers receive complete training and Blue Cross covers all related expenses, including travel.

Continuous support and guidance is also provided throughout the fostering period.

For more information on becoming a volunteer foster carer, or to join the Blue Cross team, visit the charity's website, call the Burford centre at 0300 777 1849 or email burford@bluecross.org.uk.

Since 1897, the national charity has been committed to aiding sick, injured and homeless pets.

Every month, it helps thousands of pets and pet owners by providing veterinary care, specialist behaviour advice and finding homeless pets new families.

It also offers educational programmes for future generations as well as pet bereavement support for those who have lost their pet companion.