Heavily pregnant cat and two kittens dumped outside Blue Cross Cambridge
A heavily pregnant cat and two young kittens are lucky to be alive after being crammed into a cat carrier and dumped on the street in Cambridge.
The cat, thought to be around a year old, and two kittens, thought to be around three months old, were found in the carrier without any food or water by staff as they arrived at the Blue Cross pet charity’s rehoming centre on Garlic Row in the city on Tuesday (July 23).
The cats have been called after Lion King characters - Sarafina, Kiara and Rafiki - by the team at the centre.
A cat and two kittens - Sarafina, Kiara and Rafiki - were dumped at the Blue Cross pet charity’s rehoming centre on Garlic Row in the city. (14277475)
Clare Trippett, Blue Cross Cambridge centre manager, said: “These poor cats were terrified when we opened the carrier. We’re not sure how long they had been there for.
“They are much more settled now though and have been health checked by our team. We’re just sorry that the people who left them couldn’t just bring them into the centre instead of leaving them outside on such a hot day where they could have easily succumbed to the heat - especially the youngsters.
“We’d ask any owners who are struggling just to contact the centre. There is no shame in someone coming to us and saying they can no longer look after their pet. We know that people’s circumstances can change so quickly and we will happily help and support people to find a new home for their pet.”
Last year Blue Cross helped more than 40,000 sick, injured and abandoned pets through its rehoming centres and animal hospitals across the country.
With temperatures reaching over 35 degrees in parts of the country this week, Blue Cross is reminding owners to keep their pets safe during the heat.
As temperatures rise, Blue Cross give the following advice to keep your pets safe in the sun:
Dogs and cats hot weather advice
- Pale-coloured dogs and cats are vulnerable to sunburn; particularly their ears, noses and sparsely haired areas. Sun damage can lead to skin cancer which may require extensive surgery – even amputation in severe cases.
- The best prevention is to keep your pet indoors when the sun is strongest, between 11.00am and 3.00pm. Alternatively, cover vulnerable areas or regularly apply a non-toxic waterproof human sunblock or a product specifically for pets. Seek prompt veterinary advice if your dog or cat’s skin looks sore, crusty or scaly.
- Your pet needs access to clean water at all times, ideally in a large bowl filled to the brim. Older animals, particularly cats, are vulnerable to dehydration. Don’t forget your dog needs fresh water if you’re at the beach – drinking seawater is likely to make your dog ill. Grooming is important, especially for longhaired animals.
- A tangle-free coat will protect your pet’s delicate skin and keep them cool. Some animals may need their coats trimming – seek advice from a professional groomer.
Dogs in hot cars
- Dogs succumb to heatstroke quickly. They cannot sweat in the same way that people can and cannot keep cool as easily as we can.
- Never leave a dog in a hot car, even for a moment. "Not long" is too long.
- If you see a dog in distress inside a car, official advice is to dial 999 immediately and ask for the police. A dog in distress in a hot car is an emergency and the police will advise you what to do based on the situation.
- Depending on the severity of the situation, the police may attend and break into the car to gain access to the dog, or they may advise you to do this. If you decide to break into a car without proper justification, this could be classed as criminal damage and you may need to defend your actions in a court.
- Call the police using 999 and tell them what you intend to do and why. Take pictures and/or videos of the dog in distress and the names and phone numbers of witnesses. The Criminal Damage Act 1971 provides a lawful excuse to commit damage if you believe that the owner of the property that you damage would consent to the damage if they knew the circumstances (under section 5(2)(a).
Heatstroke in pets
Animals can suffer fatal heatstroke within minutes. Never leave your dog (or any pet) alone in a car – even with the windows open, and avoid exercising during the heat of the day. Signs of heatstroke include collapse, excessive panting, and dribbling. If you suspect your animal is suffering, remove him to a cool place, wet his coat and contact a vet immediately. Avoid overcooling, especially small pets.
Going on holiday, and what to do with your pet
Plan your holiday well in advance. If you are taking your pet with you, make sure the accommodation is pet-friendly: are pets allowed in all rooms, is outside space secure, will you be able to buy the food your pet is used to?
Travelling in the car
- Make sure your dog is secured by a harness or barrier and that there is plenty of ventilation
- Sun screens on the windows will offer protection from direct sunlight
- Avoid the midday heat by travelling early or late in the day
- You can use a misting spray to keep your dog cool, but avoid his face
Top tips for small pets
- Position hutches and runs in the shade, moving them as necessary, and keep them off the ground to improve ventilation
- The best runs have a covered area to provide shade and shelter
- Water should be available around the clock and kept topped up – it will evaporate faster in hot weather
- On a long journey, give your pet a piece of apple or celery to eat, for added moisture
- Mist your rabbit with cool water to help them remain at a comfortable temperature
- Brush out excess fur. If you have a longhaired rabbit, consider having the coat cropped by a professional groomer.
Horse care in the summer
- Ensure your horse has access to a shady area in the field, and is protected from flies. Long manes and tails are a natural fly defence, but if you prefer your horse to have a pulled mane and forelock then you could use a fly fringe or mask – watch out for rubbing though. You may also want to buy a fine-mesh anti-fly rug and a good quality fly repellent.
- You should monitor your horse’s weight all year, but be extra vigilant over the summer when there is plenty of grass. Use a weigh tape and keep a weekly chart. If you notice a weight gain then restrict grazing hours and/or use a well-fitted muzzle for short periods. If your horse is eating hard feed, consider reducing it or cutting it out.
