A tiny kitten who was branded a ‘Christmas miracle’ after being rescued just seconds from death is now loving life with his new owner – the vet nurse who saved his life.
Shelby, a little tabby thought to be born to a feral cat, was found at a recycling plant alongside his brother Arthur with their eyes still closed and umbilical cords attached.
Staff at the plant in Hartlepool plucked the cats from the rubbish on the conveyer belt and got them to safety before they were crushed by the machinery last December.
RSPCA inspectors took the two kittens to a vets surgery where nurse Pippa Young, 27, took them home for round-the-clock care.
Tragically Arthur passed away at five weeks old in February, but a year on Shelby is thriving with Pippa and her cocker spaniels.
Pippa was shadowing RSPCA rescuer Shane Lynn on shift and went with him to collect the kittens from the recycling plant.
The animal lover, who had worked at the vet practice for five years, said she is always taking home waifs, strays and orphans who needed a bit of extra care.
She added: “I’m forever taking animals home to foster them or wildlife which needs feeding and releasing.
“But I knew that I couldn’t bear to be parted with Shelby and he’ll be staying for good.
“He is a real character. As he lost his brother so young he’s grown up mostly with our dog, Buddy. He acts more like a dog than a cat.
“He’s so loving and constantly wants your attention and, as soon as he has it, he purrs his head off.
“I can’t sit down anywhere without him jumping on my lap for a head smoosh.”
She said of Arthur’s death: “He had so many complications that we managed, somehow, to overcome including abscesses, trouble feeding, tummy upsets and eye infections.
“Sadly, we eventually had to let him go when vets suspected a liver shunt and said he’d suddenly gone into heart failure.
“I knew at that point that I couldn’t let Shelby go and I’m so pleased that he’s doing so well.”
When Shelby was neutered, Pippa and her colleagues ran tests to find out if he had the same condition it’s believed his brother died of and his results came back very poor.
Pippa added: “Lots of the results were dangerously low so we sent off more blood for virus testing; I was so worried we’d lose him just like his brother.
“Thankfully, they later came back much better and we’ve tested him again since and everything is now well.
“We’re not sure what caused his original results but I’m so pleased and relieved that they’re improved although we’ll continue to do yearly tests just to make sure he stays fit and well.”
Pippa cocker spaniels – Buddy and Bullseye – have taken Shelby under their wing and he’s doing well in his new home.
She said the family are looking forward to their first Christmas together.