Eight cats found abandoned inside an ottoman were brought to Battersea’s Old Windsor Centre, after being found by good samaritans at the side of the road in a layby.
The two mother cats, named Violet and Corky, and their six kittens were given thorough medical checks from Battersea’s clinic team and were miraculously given the all-clear before moving into the rescue’s dedicated maternity ward for cats.
As the feline families had been found together and were closely bonded, Battersea’s cattery team decided to continue with a co-parenting arrangement. Violet and Corky were placed in a specialist pen with all six kittens, allowing the two mothers to continue to care for their kittens together.
Sarah Hughes, Cattery Team Leader at Battersea Old Windsor, said: “We understand that every animal in our care has individual needs and, after seeing how closely bonded Violet and Corky were, we felt it was best for them to remain together. They were both nursing and caring for each other’s kittens and keeping them together allowed them to continue providing comfort and support to both litters while minimising unnecessary change and stress during such an important time for both mums and kittens.
After everything they’ve been through, Violet and Corky are incredibly sweet and affectionate, and they have done a wonderful job caring for their kittens together. Violet’s two kittens are a little older and so more outgoing, often tumbling around the pen, playing with toys or chasing each other. With their help, Corky’s four younger kittens have really grown in confidence too.
The whole group has settled into family life beautifully despite their unconventional start in life, and when the kittens aren’t busy causing mischief, they can often be found curled up together with Violet and Corky as one big happy family.”
For now, the two families are in Battersea’s care while the kittens continue to grow. Once they are ready, Violet, Corky and their kittens will begin the search for their new loving homes.
For further information, interviews or images please contact the Battersea Press Office at press@battersea.org.uk.
About Battersea:
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At Battersea we offer our love and expert care to dogs and cats who need us by rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals at our centres, and by sharing our knowledge and resources with other organisations around the world. We do this because we want to help every dog and cat, everywhere.
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In 2025, Battersea directly cared for 1,989 dogs and 1,745 cats at our three centres. We also helped thousands more through campaigning work, supporting other rescues and animal welfare advocates, and sharing knowledge and advice with pet owners.
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Battersea has three centres based in London; Old Windsor, Berkshire; and Brands Hatch, Kent.
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To find out more visit our website or follow Battersea on X @battersea_ , Instagram @battersea, Facebook facebook.com/Battersea and TikTok @battersea.