Well, the last thing I expected as a dog lover would be to find myself caring for four kittens who were born to a ‘live in the wild’ mother.

She’s had litters before but sadly all have died. Possibly through starvation or other wild animals while she was away hunting.

This latest litter of four have managed to get through those difficult and dangerous first weeks of life due to me stepping in with food and shelter.

The mother is still quite wary of people but over these last few weeks of attention with food and a constructed play arena, the kittens are happy playing and eating around humans, if still a little shy.

Food and vet bills and the necessary neutering (which needs doing soon) will be impossible for this pensioner to cover. Food quantity alone is more and more every week as they grow. I’m at my stretchiest, if that is a word, but would really like this mother to have a successful litter this time round and with luck and help all her kittens will have a chance of a future, hopefully with a caring family and not have to hunt for their food and worry like their mother - ever.

Thank you.