Firefighters rescue cat and kittens born in guttering at Birmingham home

A female cat called Storm was rescued by firefighters after giving birth to a litter of kittens – in a couple’s guttering.

The homeowners raised the alarm when they heard meowing coming from outside their bedroom window.

They peered outside and were stunned to see a female cat giving birth in the guttering above their conservatory.

The couple managed to reach two of the kittens and saved them by massaging them before calling the RSCPA.

RSPCA officers along with firefighters, dashed to the house in Bucklands End Lane, in Hodge Hill, on Tuesday (April 12).

Dramatic pictures show firefighters use a hydraulic ladder to reach the cat and her five newborn kittens minutes before a heavy downpour.

All the animals were lifted to safety and checks revealed the mum, a three-year-old tabby named Storm, had an out-of-date microchip.

Rescuers named her kittens Rain, Thunder, Misty, Foggy and Hail, and they were taken to the RSPCA’s Newbrook Farm Animal Centre for treatment.

What has the RSPCA said about the well-weathered cat and kittens?

RSCPA Inspector Adam Bailey said: “The mum cat had decided to give birth to her five kittens in the conservatory guttering of the property and with heavy rain due to set in we knew we had to get to them fast.

“Alongside fire and rescue, I managed to get up onto the roof of the conservatory and slowly but surely contain the mother using a reach and rescue pole and then pick up each kitten and bring them to safety.

“The cat is called Storm and was microchipped but it appears as though the details are out-of-date as we have been unable to get hold of an owner.”

He added: “If no owner comes forward for them they will be rehomed.”

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