A fourth kitten was also reportedly seen to be dumped in Vaynor, and found in a plastic container by a member of the public on Monday evening (25 April). They reportedly saw a car leave the box of kittens at around 6pm in the area and drive off.
Shortly after receiving the call, when RSPCA inspector Gemma Cooper arrived, just one ginger kitten was found in the box, and two black and white kittens had climbed out and had got themselves in a tricky predicament.
“They had climbed up approximately 30 to 40 feet up a tree,” said Gemma. “They were unable to get down and were petrified.
“I called the fire service and a crew from Merthyr Fire and Rescue Station arrived within 10 minutes.
“Using a ladder, a saw and a net, the two kittens were eventually safely brought down. Once again we’d like to thank South Wales Fire and Rescue Service for their prompt assistance and expertise.”
All three kittens – who are aged around six to seven weeks – are suffering from conjunctivitis and one is very underweight.
Gemma added: “They are now receiving much needed veterinary treatment and TLC.
“Sadly the fourth kitten could not be located, so if anyone spots them, please give us a call on 0300 123 8018 and they can quote log number 00856136.
“We’d also like to hear from anyone who may have any information about this incident. It is so very sad that they were just abandoned. Calls are made in confidence.”
The three kittens – two boys and a girl – are now safe in foster care with Gemma and her partner Katie, who is a vet nurse. They have been named Ursula, Underwood and Ulrik.
The RSPCA urges owners to have their cats neutered from four months old to avoid unwanted litters ending up in rescue centres. Cats can become pregnant from as early as four months old which means that an unexpected litter of kittens can often come as a shock to owners who see their pet as just a kitten herself.
