A gentle black cat named Nadia, who was found dumped in a dog crate in a Birmingham alleyway while nursing five kittens that were not hers, is now thriving and ready to be rehomed. The four-year-old cat, along with the kittens and two older cats, was discovered in Maypole by a volunteer from Cats Protection West Midlands Cat Centre in Hollywood.
Nadia was heavily pregnant when she was found, and the stress of being abandoned took a tragic toll. Her own kittens, born after her rescue, did not survive, nor did one of the older kittens, named Fiji, who had been part of the group. The surviving animals, including Nadia, five kittens, and one older cat named Maui, are now all looking for safe and loving homes.
A harrowing discovery in Maypole
The group was found crammed into a dog crate, discarded like rubbish in an alley. Nadia, described as gentle-natured, was nursing five four-week-old kittens that were not hers, while two older kittens, around five and six months old, also took refuge with them. The volunteer who spotted them immediately raised the alarm, bringing the animals into the care of the centre.
Paula Beswick, deputy centre manager at Cats Protection West Midlands Cat Centre, said: “It’s been an incredibly hard journey for Nadia who was heavily pregnant when she was found nursing the five kittens who were not hers. She went on to give birth at the centre to three more kittens, but sadly none of them survived, most likely as a result of the stress of being dumped. She’s a gentle-natured cat who is now ready to be pampered and cared for as she should have been from the outset.”
Nadia's personality and ideal home
Nadia is a gentle cat who loves treats, sunbathing, and sitting in her favourite cardboard box. She also enjoys plenty of fuss and attention. Staff and volunteers at the centre believe she would benefit from a home where her owners are present much of the time, so she can receive the attention she enjoys. A quiet, loving environment would help her continue to recover from her ordeal.
The kittens: playful and ready for adventure
The five kittens that Nadia kept alive were hand-reared by staff, needing 24/7 care to allow Nadia to focus on her pregnancy. Now eight weeks old, the two girls have been named Nina and Navy, and the three boys are Noah, Nolan, and Nico. All are tabby or tabby-and-white, except Noah, who is all black. The centre describes them as a playful, friendly litter who will soon all need homes. They are said to need a home with lots of activity and outdoor space to keep them interested and occupied.
Maui needs an understanding owner
Maui, one of the two oldest kittens found with the group, was very bonded to Fiji, but Fiji had to be put to sleep after her health declined rapidly and multiple life-limiting illnesses were discovered. Paula said: “Beautiful Fiji became incredibly poorly and despite all our efforts was unable to recover from her illnesses. Maui and Fiji were very close and Maui therefore needs an understanding owner in a quiet home who will be mindful of all he has been through and give him space and time to settle and feel safe. He is a friendly boy but very timid at present. We believe he will enjoy outdoor space once he feels at ease and a home without children or other pets would be best.”
How to adopt and support
Like all Cats Protection cats, Nadia, Nico, Navy, Nolan, Noah, Nina, and Maui will arrive in their new homes vet-checked, neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, up to date with parasite treatments, and with four weeks of free pet insurance available to their new owners. To offer a home to the cats or to find out more about Cats Protection West Midlands Cat Centre, visit www.cats.org.uk/westmidlands.
Paula added: “Nadia and the kittens have had an awful time. It is never acceptable to dump cats and we beg people to get in touch with us, a fellow rescue organisation or vet before they reach crisis point. We know times can be tough and we won’t judge. We will work with owners who are having a hard time to find the best option for their cats and kittens. Without time to plan it puts our centre in an extremely difficult situation as we struggle to find space and it is unfair on other cats who cannot come into care even if they have been waiting their turn.”
The work of Cats Protection is supported by players of the Postcode Lottery, who have raised over £15 million for the charity since 2018.
