Kittens found under shed nursed back to health

The kittens were about five weeks old and severely ill when they were found by a member of the public

Five tiny and unwell kittens that were found hidden under a shed in Helston have been nursed back to health.

The mainly black kittens were about five weeks old and severely ill when they were found.

The boys Elf, Gnome, Imp and Sprite as well as a girl named Pixie were initially taken to a local Cats Protection Branch as they needed specialist care.

Branch Coordinator, Paula Rosewarne said all the kittens were sneezing and Pixie had a “ruptured eye which needed to be removed without delay”.

The kittens were about five weeks old when they were found

Within an hour of arriving in foster care, the kittens were taken to the Highertown veterinary clinic in Truro.

The kittens were suffering with severe cat flu, conjunctivitis, eye ulcers and were underweight.

Pixie was 215g (0.5lbs) less than an average kitten her age.

Similar to a cold or flu in humans, cat flu can be life threatening and it mainly affects very old or young animals with damaged immune systems.

Ms Rosewarne said it was “clear the kittens needed to be urgently assessed by a veterinarian”.

Ms Rosewarne said it was “clear the kittens needed to be urgently assessed by a veterinarian”

'Little miracle'

Pixie had to undergo a “risky operation” to remove her right eye and she was later described as a “little miracle” by the vet nurse.

A CPB fosterer administered regular care and Rosewarne said the recovering kittens were now “coming in to their own little personalities”.

Listen: BBC Radio Cornwall hears about the miracle kittens

Pixie took a “little longer to come out of her shell” and despite limited vision after her operation she has been described as “so gentle” by Rosewarne.

“Sprite … purrs when getting medication. Imp wants to supervise his siblings' treatments and has found sitting on his fosterer’s head to be a good spot!

“Elf, true to his name, loves to climb and explore the shelves.

“Despite their challenging start to life, all the kittens are sweet and very friendly in nature.”

The Cats Protection Falmouth Branch are accepting donations towards the care of the kittens.