Seven kittens with some colourful names will soon be looking for homes after spending time being cared for at RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre and Cattery.

While at the same time as launching a search to place these cuddly bundles of joy (see pictures), the centre near Nantwich in Cheshire is reminding cat owners about the importance of getting their pets neutered as the kittens’ mother arrived into its care when heavily pregnant and losing body condition.

Whiskers, a three-year-old tabby, was signed over to the RSPCA at the end of March and not long after gave birth to five boys and two girls.

Mother and offspring are now doing well in the cattery, although the hungry tribe has threatened to eat the centre “out of house and home”.

Generous supporters have already donated supplies of ‘Felix As Good As It Looks’ kitten food and more is needed so the kittens can be kept fed and to ensure mum keeps her strength up while her offspring are weaning.

Once they are big enough, the kittens will be spayed to prevent further homeless cats being added to the population. Kittens can reproduce from four months of age and each female can give birth to up to 12 kittens in one litter.

Whiskers is due to be spayed as soon as her kittens are fully weaned and separated from her, so that she can live a happy life in her forever home without the burden of constant litters of kittens, which take a toll on her body. 

RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre and Cattery Manager Lee Stewart said: “Neutering cats also provides benefits such as preventing them from spraying and scent marking, which lessens their desire to roam in search of a mate and potentially getting lost.

“It also greatly decreases the risk of cancers of the reproductive organs and reduces the risk of fighting in males. 

“As soon as Whiskers came into our care we could see she was heavily pregnant. This demonstrates how important it is that owners get their cats neutered.

“Not neutering cats leaves their health and the health of their kittens at risk. It also contributes to the thousands of unwanted cats who come into RSPCA care, often in poor health.

“Raising a litter of kittens with the correct amount of time and care takes a huge amount of commitment and money, even before they are ready to find homes. 

“Raising a litter of kittens with the correct amount of time and care takes a huge amount of commitment and money, even before they are ready to find homes. 

“Whiskers’ kittens are being cared for in our cattery at the moment and should be available for rehoming in five to six weeks time.”

The kittens have been christened by the colours of the rainbow. They are called: Mr Yellow, Prince Blue, Indigo, Violet, Sir Green, Captain Orange and Red.

All of them will receive flea and worm treatments and their first vaccinations, which are especially important for kittens as they are vulnerable to illnesses, including cat flu.

Then staff at Stapeley Grange will complete a meticulous process of rehoming, which takes into account each kitten’s individual personality and needs as well as the suitability of potential owners.

“Finding the perfect home takes considerable time and effort. We need to check the homes are suitable and that new owners understand the responsibility and care that these cats need to live a long, healthy life,” added Lee. 

As and when the cats are available their details can be viewed on RSPCA Stapeley Grange’s website.  As well as Whiskers and her colourful kittens we also have lots of other cats in need of new loving forever homes.

Potential owners can fill out a 'Perfect Match Form' via the centre’s online form here.

To support the ongoing work of the cattery, Whiskers and her colourful kittens, during this extremely difficult time, please consider a donation to the Cattery JustGiving site.

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit our website or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181.