Residents of a London block of flats contacted rescue services after hearing continuous crying coming from the building. Westminster City Council's animal welfare officer rushed to the scene and managed to pinpoint the noise to the boiler room.
Upon entering, the officer discovered a mother cat and her litter of kittens. The temperature in the room had soared to 45°C (113°F) — a dangerously high heat that posed a severe threat to the animals.
A delicate rescue behind the boilers
The mother cat, who was later named Barbie, had hidden her kittens deep behind the heating units. Despite the tight space and the terrified mother's reaction, the officer successfully coaxed the entire family out of the boiler room.
Amanda Rumball, an animal welfare officer at Blue Cross in London, explained that the mother cat never stopped watching over her kittens during the rescue, before she relaxed quickly once they were safe.
A check-up and a new start for the survivors
Taken into the care of the Blue Cross, the little family received immediate veterinary attention. Sadly, one of the kittens passed away due to an underlying medical condition. However, the other two, named Malibu and Guinness, pulled through.
Guinness has already gone to his new adoptive home, while mum Barbie has been reserved. Malibu, who has a heart murmur, is currently with a foster carer. She will stay there to grow a bit bigger and undergo further tests before she can be put up for adoption.