Kind-hearted veterinary nurses at Animal Ark Vets in Ilford have come to the rescue after some unexpected arrivals were left at our door.
A litter of nine unwanted kittens had been left at the door Animal Ark Veterinary Centre in Goodmayes, where members of the team took it upon themselves to hand rear the discarded pets, all of whom have found new homes.
The experience has also prompted us to remind pet owners of the long-term commitment to owning an animal if they are considering a new pet.
Two of the kittens have been named Reggie and Ziggy, and Daryl Tait, a student veterinary nurse who hand reared Reggie, said: “I had never owned a cat, so it was definitely a learning experience, especially having to train my dachshund to tolerate a kitten in her home!
“It takes time introducing a new pet to a pet already in a household, as they both have to adapt, and this is something pet owners should consider if wanting to own another animal.”
Veterinary nurse Nicola Young, who had reared Ziggy, added: “Hand rearing kittens isn’t for the faint-hearted and we were lucky that so many of the team volunteered, as it would have been too much work otherwise.
“At the start, the kittens required feeding every two to three hours, including overnight and throughout the day, including while we were working.
“It takes a lot of dedication and, fortunately, all of the kittens have found new homes with either the people who have hand reared them, or with their families or friends, who understand the long term commitment to owning an animal.”
Thinking of getting a new pet? Read our help and advice section to gather all the information you need about getting a new pet.
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