PREVIEW

An adorable kitten required rescuing after it was abandoned in a cardboard box in a park in Oldham.

The young black and white cat was covered in fleas and was shaking when she was found by a member of the public on Thursday 3 July at a park in Coldhurst in Oldham.

The member of the public took the kitten home and contacted the RSPCA for help as the young cat was not eating or drinking and was struggling to walk.

Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) Connie Brown collected the kitten and took her to the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital in Salford for a check-up.


She was then transferred to the RSPCA Southport, Ormskirk & District Branch where the kitten - now named Ellie May - has been receiving round-the-clock care by staff member and dedicated fosterer Hayley Sumner.

Hayley said: “After a few rocky days initially where she was lethargic, and refusing to eat or toilet, she has started successfully gaining weight. It’s been a slow process after being syringe fed for around four days. She then started transitioning onto kitten meat. Now she is coming on leaps and bounds and is the most loving and social little kitten. She loves human company so I think she's going to make the perfect lap cat once she’s old enough to be rehomed.”

Rescuer Connie is now appealing for anyone with information about how the kitten came to be abandoned to get in touch with the RSPCA.

Connie added: “This poor kitten was in quite a poor state when she was dumped and found by a kind member of the public. We are in the throes of kitten season at the moment which is the time of year when most litters of kittens are born and this does mean that we see an influx of cats and kittens coming into our rescue centres. We would always urge owners to ensure that they neuter their cats from four months old to avoid any unplanned litters which can be stressful and costly for owners, especially when least expected. This is why we see abandoned litters dumped by roadsides, in boxes, in car parks, or left outside vets. However, we’d urge anyone who is struggling to please reach out for help from friends or family or reputable charities and never abandon their pets.”

Connie added: “Ellie May’s sad abandonment comes at a time when the charity is incredibly busy as the summer months are when we see animal cruelty peak.

“Shockingly, we received a report of cruelty every two minutes that our lines are open during the months of June, July and August last year but together, we can save animals from the cruel side of summer when cruelty peaks.

“Thanks to the public supporting us we are able to rescue many animals, rehabilitate them and find them new homes - but to continue this life-saving work we need people to support our Summer Cruelty Appeal.”