B.C. waste management worker saves kittens from being crushed in compactor

A B.C. waste management worker saved a litter of kittens from a “horrible fate” after he heard them crying out from a cardboard pile that was destined for a compactor.

The worker in Abbotsford heard the small cries on Feb. 13, and found two kittens buried beneath some cardboard.

He brought the pair to the BC SPCA Abbotsford, then later that same day discovered a third kitten and dropped it off at the animal centre too.

Then, on Feb. 16, the same worker found two more kittens at the same work site.

The BC SPCA branch in Abbotsford was closed that day because it was Family Day, so the worker took them home himself to care for them overnight before dropping them off the following day.

“We are incredibly grateful he found them. He saved the kittens from the most horrible fate,” said Sarah Ringer-Vinnard, manager of the BC SPCA Abbotsford.

The kittens required frequent bottle feeding by two BC SPCA foster volunteers since they were so young. They also had “significant discharge” in their eyes because of an upper respiratory infection.

“They have all received antibiotics and have fully recovered,” said Ringer-Vennard.

Steve the kitten is shown first arriving at the SPCA. (BC SPCA)

Cheeto the kitten is shown first arriving at the SPCA. (BC SPCA)

Dorito the kitten is shown first arriving at the SPCA. (BC SPCA)

The SPCA says the kittens are still too young and small to be adopted, but expects they’ll be ready for adoption in about six weeks.

“We are monitoring their weight right now and need them to be over one kilogram before they can be adopted,” said Ringer-Vinnard. “Once they reach that weight, they will be featured on the BC SPCA’s adoption page.”

In the meantime, the five kittens have become “well socialized and just love people,” Ringer-Vinnard says.

The largest of the litter, named Dave, has also become the gentlest, while another named Steven is “brave and curious” and immediately purs when picked up.

“Cheeto is a very calm kitten who loves snuggles and Annie lives to chase and play with all her brothers,” said Ringer-Vennard.

The last one, currently named Dorito, is described as small but with a “big voice.”

On Friday morning, The SPCA says Petsecure pet health insurance offered to match donations up to $3,000 to support the kittens and their care.

By noon Friday, the fundraiser had already neared $10,000.

The kittens are shown on a foster’s lap. (BC SPCA)The kittens are shown at a foster volunteer’s home. (BC SPCA)The kittens are shown at a foster volunteer’s home. (BC SPCA)