Kittens Rescued From Asbestos Filled House in Oliver

The Alley Cats Alliance had to enlist the help of professionals as they rescued kittens from an asbestos filled house in Oliver.

The kittens rescused from the building (Photo Credit: Alley Cats Alliance)

A handful of kittens were trapped in the roof of the dilapidated structure, which was filled with asbestos. Two concerned employees from Total Restoration in Penticton volunteered their time and helped the Alliance rescue the kittens. A search of the house from top to bottom revealed that the litter of kittens and their one-eyed mom were trapped in the roof of the building.

Sparrow, the one-eyed cat, gave birth to the litter in the roof of a dilapidated house in Oliver in early April, but she would not bring them down. The kittens were too small to jump, so Sparrow spent countless hours over 10 weeks collecting food bits and taking them to the kittens.

Brent McLaughlin and Dale Senger searching the building (Photo Credit: Alley Cats Alliance)

The situation turned dire when a concerned neighbour found out the house was slated for demolition within the next few weeks. Joan Whiteman began to try to concoct a way to rescue the cats, but was unsuccessful. Alley Cats President December van den Berg called upon the experts at Total Restoration in Penticton. Brent McLaughlin and Dale Senger jumped at the chance to help and, with the approval of their boss, they helped out after hours.

December van den Berg helping with the search for the kittens (Photo Credit: Alley Cats Alliance)

Several traps were set and after three days of hiding, the kittens appeared and were caught.

“Raven, Starling, Dickie and Pipit are healthy and well and are currently in foster care where they are enjoying three square meals a day in an air-conditioned atmosphere. All will be spayed and neutered once they reach 2lbs weight and then they will be put up for adoption,” says van den Berg. “Sparrow, on the other hand, had her eye examined and needs a rather expensive surgery to repair it. The cost of this surgery could be as high as $1000, so we are asking for public support in the form of cash donations to assist with the procedure.”

Sparrow gave birth the the kittens in the house in Oliver (Photo Credit: Alley Cats Alliance)

The animals are now in the care of Alley Cats Alliance and are being cared for until they are ready to be adopted out. Donations to the registered charity can be made via the Alley Cats website or by calling 250-462-8195.