At the end of August, four newborn kittens were dumped in a box at Taunton Deane Service Station.

They were found by a gentleman who was moving house that day from Taunton to Berry Pomeroy, who was at the service station to fill up his car with petrol. He kindly drove the kittens to Animals in Distress in Ipplepen.

The kittens were newly-born, umbilical cords still attached, and the box contained nothing but tissue paper.

The cattery staff at the rescue centre have been looking after the kittens around the clock ever since, feeding and cleaning them every two hours through the day and night.

When newly born kittens (or any mammals) first feed from their mother, they get colostrum from the mother’s milk which contains antibodies to protect them from disease. If they don’t get that immunity that nature intended they often do not survive.

Very sadly, despite the very best efforts of Lisa, Kara and all of the cattery staff who have been nursing the kittens day and night, three of the kittens died in their second week. The little ones caught an infection, and couldn’t fight it as they had no immunity.

We have one little brave fighter left. He is literally battling for his life at the moment and we are all rooting for this little guy, whom we have named Champ. He has been very poorly, but he is looking a little brighter and is feeding well. Champ has a lovely loud purr, and has just discovered how to work his little legs and has set about exploring. He loves cuddles, and likes to groom his human friends by licking them on the chin! He is in the best possible hands, and all the staff at the Rescue Centre are hoping and praying that he will pull through.