The RSPCA has issued an urgent appeal for donated cuddly toys to comfort orphaned kittens being cared for at its Birmingham Animal Centre. The charity says the soft toys help vulnerable kittens, who have lost the warmth and reassurance of their mother, feel more secure, and the donated toys will stay with them even after they are adopted into new homes.

The Newbrook Farm shelter in Frankley Green is currently looking after 113 cats in total, 51 on site and 62 with foster families, including 11 kittens requiring round-the-clock care, among them sisters Rose and Pearl, found without their mother. Cat behaviour expert Katie Gwilt said a small, soft teddy gives kittens something comforting to curl up against, particularly while sleeping, while the centre's fostering and volunteer coordinator, Emma Finnimore, asked local residents to drop off small, soft, washable cuddly toys and teddies to help the kittens feel less alone.