Desperate search for kittens after cat mother is killed in crash

An animal rescue is desperately searching for a litter of orphaned kittens after a cat was hit by a car and killed. The calico cat died as a result of her extensive injuries following the accident in St Stephen, near St Austell.

It happened yesterday (Tuesday, July 2) evening and the driver stopped with volunteers and neighbours coming to the cat's aid. Sadly it was taken to the vet where it was determined her injuries were too great and she needed to be put to sleep.

Now a desperate search is on as it is believed the cat had recently had kittens as she was filled with milk. Leanne Kent, of Clay County Cat Care, said volunteers are trying to locate the owner of the feline but they fear she may have been feral so her kittens could be anywhere.

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In a post to its Facebook page, the rescue centre said: "Tonight this beautiful calico girl lost her life after sadly being hit by a car in St Stephen, the driver did stop and luckily so did lots of other drivers, one of which being one of our volunteers Beckie, and locals who all came out to help, Beckie jumped straight into action and got the cat who had obviously sustained substantial injuries to her back end direct to the out of hours vets Penmellyn Vets St Columb.

"They examined her and it was found she had too much internal damage and the kindest thing was to let her pass over the rainbow bridge. They did call Beckie back concerned as this little girl had obviously had kittens as she was full of milk, of course, they couldn’t say how long ago she would have had them so now we need to help share this post to help find these kittens."

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"We are unsure if mum was a feral cat or was just terrified due to her injuries, so if the cat below belongs to you please can you get in touch with Penmellyn Vets and let them know the [kittens] are safe and well, or if you live in St Stephen and you have any information on this cat or know where her kittens could be, or you hear or find any kittens get in touch with them or us.

"It’s really important that we locate these kittens in the next 24/48 hours if they are to stand a chance. Our volunteers will be going out to look around the area where she was hit and hoping we will be able to locate them. But please if you hear kittens crying for their mum stop and look for them, or call for help."

Leanne added: "People can look around where they live and if they hear kittens call for help. If they can’t get hold of us take them to Penmellyn Vets at St Columb."