AUSTRALIA – Fast-acting firefighters and emergency veterinary specialists — plus a touch of divine intervention — all joined up to save the lives of three tiny kittens caught in a deliberately lit house fire at Morphett Vale.
The helpless week-old kittens are now safe and eating well under the care of the Adelaide Animal Emergency and Referral Centre at Kurralta Park.
Sadly, their mother and two other kittens perished in the blaze.
Clinic manager Dr. Ron Baker explained that it was a “miracle” that the little kittens survived almost unscathed while the others perished and said it was likely the mother had protected her babies.
“Miracles do happen and they may well have been covered by their mother when the fire came through. Animals are very protective,’’ he stated.
Firefighters rescued the kittens from a burning Archer Rd home after some neighbors reported seeing smoke and flames leaping from the roof about 10.15pm on Tuesday.
Nobody was inside the home when the MFS arrived but officers found a litter of five kittens and their mother, plus two dogs, inside the burning rented house.
They administered oxygen to the mother cat but in the end, she and two kittens died.
The dogs managed to escape harm and are in the care of the RSPCA.
Quick-thinking emergency workers rushed the surviving kittens — which have yet to even open their eyes — to the 24-hour emergency veterinary clinic for lifesaving treatment.
Dr. Baker said a complete medical check had cleared the kittens of smoke inhalation and they were suckling very strongly yesterday, which was a good sign that they would pull through.
“We’ve listened to their lungs and they seem to be quite clear at the moment,’’ he stated.
“They’ve managed to escape, fortunately, major skin burns. Their tiny toes are okay and they’re suckling well.
“We’ll keep them for 48 hours and once we assess them to be out of the danger zone, we’ll look at trying to rehome them.’’
Dogs saved from burning, unoccupied Morphett Vale house & 3 surviving kittens w RSPCA. Cat & other kittens died. @theTiser pic.twitter.com/8CStM7ldTU
— Doug Robertson (@dougrobbo3) September 20, 2016
The fire, which began in a bedroom, was thankfully contained to that room and half the roof space. It took only about 20 minutes to extinguish the flames.
Police are now investigating the cause and have appealed for information.
“Anyone who may have information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au,’’ a spokeswoman stated.