How you can help two blind kitten brothers after their rescue from a builders' yard

Ginger kittens Gabriel and Arthur were rescued from a builders’ yard in Peterlee in December last year.

An outbreak of cat flu has meant that Gabriel is completely blind while Arthur only has sight in one eye.

The cats, who were most likely born to a feral mother and are now four and a half months old, are being cared for by one of the RSPCA Cat Hub’s foster carers.

Sophie Moran-Barker, cat hub rehoming co-ordinator for the charity, said: “These two kittens were rescued separately by the RSPCA back in December.

"It was only when Gabriel was rescued that Inspector Krissy Raine realised her colleague had rescued his brother just a few days before so thankfully they were reunited.

"Gabriel has no eyes but he gets around very well and loves playing with toys.

"Although Arthur only has one eye he has become a real help to his brother and Gabriel is able to follow his lead.

“Sadly, their rehabilitation is not over yet. Gabriel needs an operation to surgically stitch his eyelids together to prevent irritants such as cat litter getting into his empty eye sockets.

"Arthur is also suffering from entropion in his one good eye.

"This condition means his eyelid turns inward so his eyelashes and skin rub against the surface of the eye causing irritation and discomfort, so he needs an operation to correct this when he is a bit bigger and a bit stronger.

“We will ensure that the kittens get their operations as soon as our vets recommend, but we would be grateful for any help our supporters can give us.”

Both operations together will cost £1,020 and any extra funds raised will go towards their ongoing care.

To help fund Gabriel and Arthur’s surgery, visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/RSPCABlindKittens

The pair will be in long-term foster care for sometime, but there are lots of cats and kittens looking for homes. Visit the charity's Cat Hub, which is supported by five RSPCA local branches, on its website for more information.

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