Without his devoted brother by his side, Specks probably wouldn’t have survived the cold British winter.
The poorly black kitten was found huddled up with sibling, Dot, in a West London garden, as the pair desperately battled to keep warm in the grip of winter.
As well as being freezing cold, filthy and frightened, the four-month-old brothers were hungry, underweight and covered in fleas. Sadly, Specks was also suffering with health problems which made him even more vulnerable.
Thankfully, a kind member of the public took the duo to the Blue Cross Hammersmith animal hospital in London just in time.
When the charity checked Specks over he was found to have cataracts covering both eyeballs, leaving him with little to no vision. He was also diagnosed with a nervous system disorder called cerebellar ataxia, which causes loss of balance, shaking and wobbly movements.
“It was lucky that these brothers were found when they were and brought into Blue Cross,” Amanda Rumball, London Welfare Officer for Blue Cross said.
“I don’t think Specks would have survived without Dot. He cannot see, and his condition means that he would have been very easy prey. He would have been unaware of dangers around him like traffic, wild animals and cold weather.
“Dot was found huddled up with his brother and I really think he stayed with Specks because he knew how much he needed him. He could have left him, but he never did.”
“We don’t know how long they were there, but it’s so heart-warming that he stayed with his brother,” added Amanda.
After their ordeal, the charity made sure Dot and Specks were warm, comfy and well fed. They also gave them the preventative treatment they needed, such as worming and flea medication.
“They were both frightened initially but with some warmth, food, toys and love they were both purring away by the next morning and happy to be with us,” Amanda said.
“They were so sweet to watch as Dot would encourage Specks to play and they both loved receiving TLC – they were little purr monsters.”
The brothers spent four days recovering, and once they were on the mend they were taken to the Blue Cross Lewknor rehoming centre to start their search for a loving home. Due to their incredible bond, Blue Cross were desperate to rehome them together.
“They really are a fab little duo and have an amazing sibling bond,” Amanda added. “I really hope that we are able to keep them together, as Specks needs his brother so much. What a lovely pair they are – whoever rehomes them is so lucky.”
Luckily, Dot and Specks didn’t have to wait very long to find a loving home together.
If you’d like to adopt a cat, click here to see the cats currently looking to be rehomed at Blue Cross.