Abandoned rescue kitten weighing just 87g finds forever home after Fareham volunteers help him grow stronger

ABANDONED by his mother, tiny kitten Winston weighed just 87g and it was touch and go whether he would survive.

By Belinda Dickins

Published 10th Mar 2021, 15:20 BST

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Determined animal rescue volunteers from Fareham charity The Cat Welfare Group stepped in, bottle feeding Winston and caring for him day and night in order to give him a chance.

The volunteers posted images and videos of Winston’s progress on social media where hundreds of people began following his story.

Lorri Seymour from The Cat Welfare Group said: ‘Little Winston had lots of problems with his tummy and took a long time to grow, put on weight and move normally. He needed round-the-clock care for several months.

Tiny kitten Winston was rescued by The Cat Welfare Group when he was abandoned by his mother, and volunteers gave him round-the-clock care

Tiny kitten Winston was rescued by The Cat Welfare Group when he was abandoned by his mother, and volunteers gave him round-the-clock care

‘His story really inspired people and captured their hearts - so many of Winston’s Facebook fans asked how he was getting on and supported our appeal to help pay for his care.

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‘This was particularly amazing during the pandemic and at a time when money is tight for many families.

‘I think seeing our little Winston grow gradually stronger brought hope to people’s lives during a difficult time, especially as his story had a happy ending. Thankfully Winston survived, gained strength - and he’s now been rehomed.’

Tiny kitten Winston was rescued by The Cat Welfare Group when he was abandoned by his mother, and volunteers gave him round-the-clock care

Tiny kitten Winston was rescued by The Cat Welfare Group when he was abandoned by his mother, and volunteers gave him round-the-clock care

In spite of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions the team at The Cat Welfare Group have been able to continue their good work.

Winston, rescued in November last year, was just one of the 240 cats and kittens rescued by The Cat Welfare Group in 2020.

The voluntary team, headed by Lorri, is continuing to rescue stray and abandoned cats and kittens, with help from generous community donations.

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Tiny kitten Winston was rescued by The Cat Welfare Group when he was abandoned by his mother, and volunteers gave him round-the-clock care

Tiny kitten Winston was rescued by The Cat Welfare Group when he was abandoned by his mother, and volunteers gave him round-the-clock care

These animals are re-homed into secure, loving homes once they have undergone medical checks or treatment and are old enough.

Volunteers’ dedication has led to the charity being a finalist in the rescue and rehoming category of the upcoming Animal Star Awards.

Lorri added: ‘We’re humbled and excited to be finalists in the Animal Star Awards. We couldn’t do our vital cat welfare work without everyone who supports us, so this achievement is also a big thank you to everyone who has volunteered or donated.’

The winners of the Animal Star Awards will be announced during a virtual ceremony on Sunday, March 28.

Visit thecatwelfaregroup.org for more information on supporting the charity, or visit facebook.com/ScruffyHobbit to follow Winston’s adventures.

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