A three-legged cat whose five kittens died from a severe flea infestation is being ‘thoroughly spoiled’ in her new home, her family have said.
Black and white Tuna and two of her babies were rescued by the RSPCA from a property in Grimsby after the animal welfare charity was contacted about concerns for their welfare.
The six-week old kittens were crawling with fleas and had to be rushed to a vet where they were treated for severe hypothermia and anaemia. Placed in an incubator and fed intravenously, they received round-the-clock veterinary care but their condition didn’t improve and they sadly died.
Three of Tuna’s other kittens had also passed away because of untreated flea infestations just days earlier, the RSPCA was told.
Tuna, who was underweight and had live fleas running through her coat, survived, and was cared for by the RSPCA’s Bridlington, Driffield & District Branch, where she caught the eye of her new owner, Tracy Baker, in April 2023.
Mrs Baker, who lives in East Yorkshire with her husband and two grown up daughters, said the family had been thinking about adopting again after their previous rescue cat had sadly died because of ill health.
Mrs Baker said: “The house just felt so empty when we lost our previous cat and Tuna came along at exactly the right time. When we saw her at the cattery she looked so tiny. I thought ‘she’s black and she’s got three legs, she’s going to take longer to rehome.’ I thought that would probably make her a little bit of an underdog and we made the decision there and then that we wanted to give her a second chance.
“Her speed and agility with only three legs is quite remarkable, she’s the fastest cat we’ve ever had. It doesn’t hinder her in any way, especially when she runs through her play tunnel, stopping suddenly so she can then skid across the floor.
“She loves to play with toys and the house is full of them. Usually she empties her toy bag so she can then go and hide in it. It’s like we have a toddler living here. She’s taken over, but we’re happy to let her – she’s full of fun and thoroughly spoiled and adored.”
RSPCA inspector Laura Barber, who rescued the cats, said: “Tuna has really landed on her paws with Tracy and her family. After all she went through, it’s wonderful to see her enjoying life in a new home following the sad – and entirely avoidable – death of all five of her tiny kittens.
“Young or frail animals can become weak and even die as a result of blood loss from flea infestations – as was the case with Tuna’s babies – so it’s vitally important that owners are responsible and regularly treat their pets as well as their home.”
The RSPCA says it’s crucial that people treat and protect their pets for fleas and the focus should always be on prevention – which means using effective treatment all year round. The charity always advises people to seek advice from their vet as to which flea treatment is the safest and most effective for their animal. For more information and advice visit the RSPCA’s website.
The RSPCA is asking supporters to join the Winter Rescue by donating to help its rescue teams reach more animals like Tuna. In addition to helping the RSPCA across England and Wales via the ‘Join the Winter Rescue’ campaign, donors can also support the work of their local RSPCA branch-run – like Bridlington, Driffield & District. Direct URLs to donate can be found here.
