WARNING: This story contains images some people may find upsetting. Kellie Colson has been ‘amazed’ by the fighting spirit of the young felines
Kellie Colson of 9 Lives Cat Rescue has appealed for donations to help the newest feline charges in her care(Image: 9 Lives Cat Rescue)
A Hull woman who launched a small cat rescue two years ago has since rehabilitated, medically treated, hand-raised and rehomed 150 kittens and cats, ranging from newborn right up to 17 years old. In all that time – and also previously working for another cat rescue organisation – Kellie Colson says she has never seen a worse plight than the one of four stray kittens that recently came into her care.
“I have had many many cases of kittens and cats in poor states, nothing seems to shock me anymore,” said Kellie. “I’ve had kittens found in carrier bags, wheelie bins; some kittens I never thought would make it, but they do, and I love doing the before and after photos when they get adopted as they always look so much healthier and happier.
“The latest arrivals are by far the worst I’ve ever encountered,” said Kellie. “Even the vets were shocked by the state of them.
“They were four weeks old when they were handed into the vets, found as abandoned strays. They were already extremely sick with cat flu and their eyes were eaten up.
“I wasn’t even sure they would survive the first night, let alone a week. I did lose one of them in the first week, which is always upsetting.”
At six weeks old, the two male kittens had major surgery. “We couldn’t wait any longer as they were in awful pain and it was affecting their quality of life.
“They were trying so hard to be kittens but the pain was making them depressed. Other than their eyes, they were healthy in every other way.
“So surgery went ahead on August 7. It was scary knowing how tiny they both are and the risks involved.
“However, within hours of surgery, they were play-fighting each other and eating. The change in their personality was remarkable.
“I had spent two weeks giving them pain and infection control to keep them going and now I am starting to see their personalities shine. They are still on a lot of medication and care, but they are happy and thriving, as is their sister Zoe.
“We are uncertain about the remaining eyes, as of yet, and whether they need removing, but the current focus is on the healing of the worst one that was removed in Tyson and Ricky – named after boxers because of their fighting spirit. Their sister is called Zoe because it’s a cute name.”
Kellie has been told the kittens have a great chance of being rehomed once they are old enough. “The vets have said, other than being blind, they will have no long-term issues at all.
“As they have never had any sight, they don’t know any different and I am in awe of how they have adapted to life in my home – they get around like any other cat.
“They will need special homes, of course, suitable to their needs, and I am very cautious about rehoming. I have a strict application and home check process and match cats to new owners based on the cat’s needs – I haven’t had a failed rehome since I opened.”
Kellie formed 9 Lives Cat Rescue in 2024, after she fostered and helped Cottingham Cat Rescue for many years. “They were closing and I wanted to carry on the good work we did.
“I have always enjoyed working with animals since I was a child; as an adult I was diagnosed as being neurodiverse and my love for animals calms me and gives me a focus. I have always had a particular interest in special cases and orphans and felt the vulnerable cats needed me.”
Kellie has launched a crowdfunding appeal with a £4,000 target, to help the latest kitten arrivals. “I don’t often do fundraisers, but as a tiny rescue which is registered as a community interest company, I get no help from anywhere, often dipping into my own personal money to fund things.
“So without the amazing generosity of my followers on social media and fundraisers I wouldn’t be able to do what I do. The bill last Friday was £2.4k; if the kittens need more eye removals then we are looking at that cost again and that is without the additional check-ups and medications.
“All the while I have other cats in my care needing microchipping, vaccinating, feeding, neutering and so on.” With more than £1,700 in the donations pot already, Kellie said: “I am absolutely blown away by people’s kindness and always am, I couldn’t do this without the support.”
Kellie said: “I get many many calls a day; however, being a home from home, I have limited space and not all cats will fit into my environment. I have a few cats of my own, that I have adopted from various rescues over the years, and as much as I love all the cats I care for and would love to keep them, that’s not my aim.
“My goal for every cat that comes in is to assess them as individuals, provide the care and love they need while with me, and that gives them the best chance long-term to find the perfect home for them. I have to admit, last year, I had my first foster fail – Logan, or Logi bear as most of my followers fondly know him.
“He was found as a newborn under a tractor by a farmer. He was very poorly and his siblings passed away.
“I was going through a rough time personally and raising Logan gave me something to focus on. There was just something magical about him and he is still with me now.”
Kellie, who was winner of the Northern region cat rescue/rehoming award at last year’s Animal Star Awards, appealed to anyone thinking about owning a kitten or a cat to “please do your research first”. She said: “Make sure you can provide the absolute basic needs of microchipping, vaccinating and, most importantly, neutering.
“Hull has a dreadful case of strays at the moment and it’s just getting worse. My newest intakes are again young kittens that have been left on the streets to fend for themselves, I can only assume born to a stray, and when old enough they go wandering to start the cycle all again.
“There is help out there with the costs but I would urge people to really think about owning a pet if you can’t afford the medical care.” Kellie added: “I am just so thankful for all the people that follow me on Facebook.
“We also have a small shop in Newland Avenue and are always looking for good donations to keep it going, as well as volunteers.” All details can be found on the website at www.9livescatrescue.co.uk
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