A blind 14-week-old kitten is reunited with his brother just days before Christmas by the RSPCA

A blind kitten who has no eyes was rescued by the RSPCA and has now been reunited with his brother in time for Christmas.
By Ryan Smith
Published 24th Dec 2020, 12:49 BST
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The 14-week-old kitten, named Gabriel, was rescued by RSPCA inspector Krissy Raine on Sunday, December 20, after he was found straying in Peterlee.

It is thought that Gabriel lost his eyes after having cat flu, sadly leaving him with empty sockets but otherwise healthy.

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After the rescue, Krissy realised her colleague had also found a stray kitten from the same area just six weeks before and immediately realised the pair were brothers.

Gabriel (left) and his brother Arthur after being reunited.Gabriel (left) and his brother Arthur after being reunited.
Gabriel (left) and his brother Arthur after being reunited.
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Gabriel’s brother has been named Arthur, who was unwell when he was rescued and unfortunately had to have surgery to remove an eye, which was also believed to have been damaged by cat flu.

Krissy has described the moment that the brothers were reunited and has explained where Gabriel gets his name from.

She said: “It was a very special and heartwarming moment and wonderful to think Gabriel would have something familiar in a different world.”

The RSPCA are now looking for a permanent home for the cats.The RSPCA are now looking for a permanent home for the cats.
The RSPCA are now looking for a permanent home for the cats.
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“It is amazing that Gabriel survived. I took him to a vet and they believe he had cat flu which left his eyes badly damaged and they perished. But he is very healthy, he needed no treatment from the vets at all.

“Even though he was from a feral colony when I took him to the vets, they were shocked by how calm and friendly he was and instantly fell in love with him.

"We named him Gabriel as he is an absolute angel and everyone who meets him adores him.”

The animal charity are now looking to permanently home both Gabriel and Arthur as a pair of indoor cats following their ordeal.

Gabriel is thought to have lost his ears after contracting cat flu but he is otherwise healthy.Gabriel is thought to have lost his ears after contracting cat flu but he is otherwise healthy.
Gabriel is thought to have lost his ears after contracting cat flu but he is otherwise healthy.
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Krissy added: “Arthur was being looked after by a foster family and they were so excited to hear that his brother had been rescued, they welcomed him with open arms too.

“They are both with the same foster family now, they are such calm, caring and affectionate cats, such special little angels.

"After everything that has happened in 2020, this is such a lovely story to share with people as a reminder that heartwarming things still happen every day.

“It is a Christmas miracle for Gabriel and Arthur, we’re just so pleased that they are together for Christmas Day.”

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Related topics:RSPCAPeterlee