Kittens rescued after cat gives birth inside chimney

Kittens had to be rescued from inside a chimney after their mother chose it as the location to give birth to the five tiny felines.

The Scottish SPCA (SSPCA) had to call on the help of firefighters to retrieve the animals after the owner feared they had been born on the roof.

Robert Ward, SSPCA senior animal rescue officer, said: “Cats normally try to find somewhere safe and private to give birth but we’re not sure why this expectant mother decided a chimney would be better than in the comfort of her own home.”

On investigation, it was discovered the kittens were not on the roof as first through but were inside a chimney stack.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service dispatched personnel to aid in the rescue of the kittens (Scottish SPCA)

But with no way for the animal rescuers to reach them, they had to call on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) who were able to reach the kittens and bring them down safely to be reunited with their mother and owner.

Mr Ward said: “We’re so grateful for their help as otherwise we would have had no way to reach them.

“Thankfully, the feline family were none the worse for wear after their dramatic start to life and are now safe and warm inside the house rather than on top of it.”

Mark Bryce, SFRS Local Senior Officer for Stirling, Clackmannanshire and Fife said; “While the statutory responsibility for animal rescue lies with the SSPCA, we will always attend where there is a risk that a member of the public might put themselves in danger by attempting to effect their own rescue.

“As a humanitarian organisation, SFRS crews use their technical training and expertise as well as specialist equipment to rescue animals. I’m pleased we were able to assist in this happy event.”

If anyone is concerned about an animal, they can contact the SSPCA’s confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.