Hi everyone,
Please find a tragic story from our friends at Mayhew below! Please note some of the images, as well as the video, may be distressing for some readers due to the nature of the kittens’ ailments! But thanks to Mayhew were rescued.
Eight-week-old Abandoned Kittens had ‘The Worst Flea Infestation’ Mayhew Vets Have Ever Seen
When a member of the public discovered a litter of 8-week-old kittens abandoned on a garden wall, that unfortunately wasn’t the saddest part of their story – because these poor felines also had the worst flea infestation that the Animal Welfare Officers and vets at Mayhew had ever seen.
The kittens were found without a mother or owner in sight, so the concerned member of the public gently moved them to his shed, where he kept them safe and warm with blankets and a hot water bottle whilst he contacted Mayhew.
Upon arrival at the shed, Mayhew’s Deputy Head of Animal Welfare (Community) Alisa Ford said, “I knew immediately that these kittens were in grave danger. They had the worst flea infestation I’ve ever seen, and I’ve no doubt they would have died had they been left for another day or two”.
- Fleas pose an incredibly high risk to young kittens, as they feed on skin and blood, resulting in severe anaemia, dehydration, skin irritation and weight-loss.
- All three of these kittens had pale gums, a sure sign of anaemia, and were found in a high state of distress.
- Their infestation was so substantial that fleas were even crawling over the kittens’ eyeballs, and they had no respite from the constant pain and itching.
After the kittens arrived at Mayhew, our vets immediately set to work to treat the infestation and make them as comfortable as possible.
WARNING: The video may contain content some viewers might find distressing*.
They were first given a fast acting flea tablet that kills all insects within 15-30 mins, which was inserted in some high energy food that the kittens badly needed. Our vets then bathed the kittens extensively in a dilute antiseptic shampoo and gave them supportive fluids, before using a flea comb to rid the fur of any fleas that had not yet been washed off. It took two vets over three hours to comb, bathe and treat the three of them, such was the extent of the infestation. Finally, each kitten was given a longer acting topical flea and worming treatment, before being settled together in a warm and cosy cabin in our Cattery.
Left untreated, fleas can be fatal due to significant blood loss; and if they carry secondary parasites they can also pass on potentially deadly bacteria and infections through open wounds. To prevent the risk of your cat or kitten catching fleas, our vets recommend regular checks on both the animal and its habitat, looking in places such as garden sheds and garages where fleas are likely to breed and develop. Swift treatment if fleas are found will significantly reduce the risk to your pet and the possibility of a repeat infestation.
Happily, these three kittens – named Humphrey, John and Phyllis after the siblings of the member of the public who found them – are now fully recovered, and they are all happy, playful and healthy. Their fur is fluffy and flea-free, and they will very shortly be available for adoption. If you fancy giving any of our animals a forever family, you can keep up to date with all those seeking a new home on our website here, and sign up for our adoption alert newsletter here.
Mayhew’s Animal Welfare Officers and Vet team respond to hundreds of abandoned, neglected and abused animals every year and provide ongoing support to carers and pet owners in vulnerable situations. Please consider a donation so we can continue our vital work helping more animals like Humphrey, John and Phyllis, https://themayhew.org/donate/.
They were very lucky little kittens to be fund and treated so swiftly. Hopefully they will have happy forever homes.
We hope so too <3
Thank you for sharing this story! ???
Most welcome. 🙂
Well, at least all the fleas fleed in the end…
Very true. But poor little kittens
Bless you… Marc-André! It’s so good to realize that out there are still people like you and the veterinarian. Unfortunately, it’s always difficult to catch the bastard who abandoned the kitten… it should be punished by law! Hugs :-)claudine
Thank you <3 we try and help spread the good work of our local charities.
Thank Mayhew for saving them…I had a tragic situation with some kittens, and I was ignorant abou… https://t.co/INMddWRKMG
Oh these poor little kittens! My slave put a Seresto collar on me and I have to say, apart from when she fits in on me, which I DETEST, I haven’t noticed any fleas when I’ve been grooming. I can’t stand those spot on treatments she used to do as I am convinced she is trying to attack me, so the Seresto Collar is much better. Also, I don’t think those ridiculous dogs I live with seem to catch fleas now; personally, I can’t believe that my fleas would have wanted to live on a filthy dog (have you SEEN where they go) but the collar’s definitely the way forward. She attached a bell to it but normally I can manage to push it out the way so it doesn’t tinkle so much…..
I can’t look or read this but who leaves little kittens infested with fleas – if u can’t keep them… https://t.co/RzkdO3yeba
Pobres angelitos.
I have seen fleas on cats and kittens before but nothing as bad as this. It’s heartbreakiing to think what it must have felt for those young tiny kittens. A big thank you to Mayhew once again.
Yes this was a dreadful case 🙁
OMC, poor babies ! They are lucky to have been found and helped just in time ! Purrs
Indeed. 🙁
Think its about time breeding of animals was banned!!!!!!!!!!!! Some people make me sick…… if they cannot afford to get there pet neutered or castrated. Then they should not own one……
It is heartbreaking to read some of these posts. These are very lucky kittens to have been rescued.
I know :(. I feel sad whenever I share these stories but only if we spread the word we can help charities such as mayhew
Heartbreaking but I’ve no doubt they will quickly grab the hearts of anyone who comes to view them. Alas, it is a bit far for the human of this house. Don’t tell anyone but Madame Simone, such a classy diva, was covered in fleas when she snagged our human at the refuge. While they try to keep up, there are many older cats available and a section if outdoors but well fenced. Nearby is a lot of sagebrush and there are feral cats that are just too wild so the fleas are a constant struggle for them. While Madame Simone’s dignity was a bit bent she quickly recovered after the grooming she received as soon as she got home. That was over two years ago and we haven’t seen another flea in the house. The divas do not go outdoors.
@ikiterukinen ??
@ikiterukinen It’s wonderful that there Are Earth Angels here watching out for furbabies!
Yes 🙂