Cats abandoned on Mt Messenger
New Plymouth’s SPCA is calling for information after a cat and its kittens were found dumped on Mt Messenger.
The mother cat, which rescuers named Zoe, was found lying on a towel at the bottom of Mt Messenger, with three newborn kittens. The cats were extremely cold and soaked through after a night of heavy rain last Saturday.
One of the kittens had already died by the time they were found, and another was too weak and didn’t survive.
The last kitten, Fern, was found tucked into Zoe trying to feed. There were complications with the birth, and Zoe’s uterus had prolapsed, making her unable to move and help them.
The cats were found by an SPCA inspector’s sister, who was in the area by chance and rushed them to the SPCA.
Zoe underwent emergency surgery and Fern was able to go into foster care with another cat who had just given birth, and she is receiving round-the-clock care.
Zoe is now back at the New Plymouth centre and recovering well.
Once she is fully healed, she will be ready to find a new home.
Fern will be in the SPCA’s care for eight weeks until she is old enough to be desexed and microchipped before being rehomed.
The SPCA suspected Zoe was dumped by her owner, given the fact she was found on top of a towel and has a friendly temperament, even though she had no collar or microchip.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the SPCA on 06 758 2053. All information provided will be treated as confidential.