Dante and Beatrice could barely see

When our rescuer found these two kittens, Dante and Beatrice’s eyes were badly infected and were infested with fleas. Now they’re healed and thriving, but more animals need our help.

Content warning

This story deals with a true account of animal neglect and contains some distressing images.

Born into discomfort

Today, brother and sister Dante and Beatrice are inseparable. Sleek and spirited, these young cats love to play and sleep tucked up together.

They’re unrecognisable from the kittens we glimpsed through a window after responding to a concerned call. Then, their eyes were crusted shut from an infection and their fur was crawling with fleas.

They couldn’t have been more than a few weeks old, and were very weak. Severe flea infections can kill young cats, so our rescue staff acted fast – rushing them to our Greater Manchester Animal Hospital for emergency veterinary care.

Both kittens had been living in a state of ongoing discomfort and pain. At the hospital they got the care and treatment they desperately needed, and thankfully they started to get better.

Beatrice, a small grey and white kitten with yellow staining around her eyes is held gently by a person wearing blue vet gloves.

A man with a beard and glasses gently holds Dante, a ginger and white cat in his arms.

They were in a dreadful state when we rescued them, so it’s such a relief to hear they’re being properly cared for.

Lee Ferrans, Animal Rescue Officer

Recovering, with care and love

Both kittens were suffering from severe conjunctivitis. Beatrice was particularly weak and had a high fever. They were thin, hungry and too worn out to play.

Staff bathed their eyes, gave them antibiotics and flea treatment, and fed them nutritious food. Gradually, they began to reach healthy weights.

Once their condition was stable, we moved them to our Bryn-y-Maen Animal Centre, where patient staff took over their treatment.

It took months, but their eyes eventually cleared up and their energy returned. They started showing a kittenish interest in the world – and were soon ready to go to a forever home.

Dante, a pale ginger and white kitten with bright yellow staining around their eyes sits inside a wire cage.

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before

Dante and Beatrice’s eyes were crusted shut from an infection and their fur was infested with fleas. They’d spent a week in constant discomfort.

Beatrice, a grey and white cat tilts their head inquisitively while sitting on a striped rug next to Dante, a ginger and white cat.

after

Now they’re safe, well-cared-for and happy. They love playing, curling up together and spending quality time with their new owner.

Life in their new home

Since moving in with their forever family, Dante and Beatrice are loving life together. Beatrice is still timid, but Dante is always by her side, giving her the confidence she needs to explore.

“They’ve settled in really well and are very happy,” says new owner Steve. “They’re brother-sister bonded, which is lovely to see, and they’ve overcome the difficult period they went through when they were young.”

We're one of only a few charities that can help animals at every stage, from rescue to rehabilitation. You can help us give back to neglected and abandoned animals like Dante and Beatrice. With your support, we can make a better future for every animal.