One morning, a family looked out into their front garden and found not one, but three frightened kittens hiding under their hedge. Though this family had kindly left food and water, the kittens remained just out of reach. After a few days of trying to encourage the kittens inside the house, they got in touch with Blackheath branch for help.

Thanks to some patient trapping and a visit to the vet, we discovered these kittens were already fully socialised - likely house cats at some point - and around 3-4 months old. Fortunately, where they were abandoned was a street full of caring neighbours who quickly rallied around them. There was even a "kitten WhatsApp group" created to share updates and coordinate care!

Two of the kittens were soon placed in a loving forever home. The third kitten, Merlin, was a little different.

Merlin wasn’t putting any weight on his front leg. X-rays revealed an old, untreated fracture that had healed badly and caused nerve damage. While he wasn’t in pain, it was clear that the leg was holding him back, literally. After careful consultation with our vet team, we knew the kindest option was to remove the leg and give Merlin the chance to live a full and active life on three paws.

He had his surgery last week and we’re delighted to say he’s doing brilliantly! He’s already racing around, playing with toys, and getting up to the usual kitten mischief.

Merlin is a gentle, affectionate soul who purrs like a tractor and chats away when he’s got something to say. He’s been through more than any kitten should, but he’s gaining confidence every day in our care, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for him.

Can you help us give Merlin the bright future he deserves?

Your donation will go towards:

• Finding Merlin the perfect new home

• Veterinary care, including the cost of Merlin’s surgery and ongoing treatment that our volunteer branch is covering

• Food, toys, and comfy bedding

• Helping other cats and kittens like Merlin find safety and second chances

With your support, we can be there for cats like Merlin when they need us most.

Please donate today and share Merlin’s story to help him and others like him thrive.

Thank you for being part of their journey to safety 💛

Cats Protection help more cats than any other organisation and we want to help millions more. We are a dedicated community of passionate employees, volunteers, supporters and partners, working together to make life better for millions of cats and the people who care for them.

We are the voice of cats in society and we speak up for their protection.

We’re working towards a society where every cat is treated with kindness and respect.

Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Find out more: www.cats.org.uk