The family were found sheltering in a storeroom.
Children at Great Ormond Street Hospital were given the special task of naming a stray cat and her kittens, who were found sheltering in one of the hospital’s store rooms.
As an early Christmas treat, animal charity Battersea invited the children on Panther, Lion and Leopard Ward to name the kittens. After much deliberation, they decided on Luna, Chocolate and Sky, while GOSH’s own CATS team (Children’s Acute Transport Service), named the mum Cassie.
Cassie and her kittens were found by the facilities manager sheltering in one of the hospital’s store rooms from the cold. Working closely with Battersea’s Rehoming and Welfare team, they ensured the safe transfer of mum and her kittens to Battersea’s London Centre.
Sorrel Magenta, rehoming and welfare manager at Battersea's London Cattery, said: "When the kittens first arrived at Battersea, we were all surprised by how friendly and healthy they were, given they'd started life in a storeroom.
“The facilities team at Great Ormond Street did a wonderful job of looking after them in the early days, taking on all our advice on how to keep the mum and babies secure until we were able to safely bring them into our centre.”
Jason Dawson, executive director of space and place at Great Ormond Street Hospital added: “Kittens being born at Great Ormond Street Hospital is not something that typically happens here! We’re proud of the Space and Place team for keeping the kittens safe and getting them to the right place to ensure they are properly cared for and can go to a loving home.
“It's wonderful that some of our patients, and our CATS team, can be the ones to name them. It gives the kittens a nice link with where they were born.”
Cassie and her kittens are said to be progressing well. The family will be spending the festive period together in foster care before looking for their forever homes in the New Year.
Image (C) Battersea.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
