On an ordinary afternoon, a family engrossed in their daily routine became aware of an unusual sound emanating from outside their bedroom window. Intrigued, they embarked on a search to pinpoint the origin of the noise, eventually discovering a stray cat that had deemed the family’s rain gutter as the perfect haven for her litter.
Quickly taking action, the family managed to secure two of the kittens, providing warmth and shelter while awaiting assistance. Both the RSPCA and local fire services promptly arrived, collaborating to formulate a plan for the rescue mission.
Adam Bailey, an inspector with the RSPCA, highlighted the urgency of the situation: “The mum cat had decided to give birth to her five kittens in the guttering of the property, and with heavy rain due to set in, we knew we had to get to them fast.”
With a joint effort, they managed to navigate the challenging situation. Adam Bailey, alongside the fire and rescue team, ascended to the roof, employing a reach and rescue pole to carefully contain the mother cat. Each kitten was then gently picked up and brought to safety.
Despite the somewhat bewildered state of the cat, later named Storm, she didn’t resist much, seemingly understanding that everyone was working towards the common goal of ensuring her and her babies’ safety. The entire feline family was successfully extricated from the gutter, averting the risk of being stranded in the impending storm.
Currently under the care of the RSPCA, Storm and her kittens, aptly named Hail, Misty, Foggy, Rain, and Thunder, are settling in. Although Storm had a microchip, the information was outdated, making it impossible for the RSPCA to contact her original family. Consequently, once the kittens grow a bit older, they, along with Storm, will be available for adoption, ready to find new loving homes.
While a rain gutter might not have been the most convenient birthing place for Storm, serendipity intervened as the family noticed her just in time, ensuring a safe and heartwarming outcome for this unexpected feline family.
