Three kittens are in search of new homes after overcoming a life-threatening episode of cat flu that left them blind. Kellie Colson, who operates 9 Lives Cat Rescue in Hull, received the ailing kittens from a local veterinarian after they were discovered abandoned on the street. Colson described the illness as "horrific" and said she had never seen kittens in such dire condition.
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While one kitten, named Florence, unfortunately did not survive, the remaining trio—Ricky, Tyson, and Zoe—made what Colson calls a "remarkable" recovery. Initially, the afflicted kittens exhibited severe symptoms, including sneezing, chest congestion, wheezing, and heavily discharging eyes. Despite consistent medication and dedicated 24/7 care, including taking them with her on a holiday to Scotland, their eye infections did not improve.
Both Ricky and Tyson underwent surgery to remove one of their eyes at six weeks old and are now blind in the remaining eye. Zoe has retained both eyes but is also blind, with potential surgery needed in the future. Colson stated that had the kittens not shown signs of improvement, she would have made the difficult decision to euthanize them; however, their weight gain and normal behavior justified giving them a chance. "Many people cope without eyesight, so I’m sure the kittens will," she noted.
Now seven weeks old, the kittens are preparing to find adoptive homes. Colson indicated that they will require special accommodations but are steadily adjusting to life without sight. She expressed hope that they will lead fulfilling lives akin to other cats.
The urgent surgeries for the kittens cost £2,500, significantly impacting Colson's charity financially. She emphasized the importance of responsible pet ownership, urging prospective pet owners to consider their ability to fund neutering and microchipping before adopting a cat. Colson described the stray cat situation in Hull as "almost out of control."