A kitten found abandoned on a cross-Channel ferry to Dover has been re-homed.

Burnham House Veterinary Surgery in Castle Steet received a call from staff at Dover Docks on December 23 after a female kitten had been found wandering round the ferry from France.

A decision had to be made about the kitten’s fate as unless the kitten could be quarantined in the UK at a cost of several hundred pounds, it faced being put to sleep on the dock side to stop any potential spread of diseases.

Vet Jeremy Stattersfield said: “Maintaining our borders is vital to protect the health of our resident pets, but when quarantine and basic veterinary care can be applied in a situation like this, it would seem inhuman to have killed this kitten.

“However as she came to be on the ferry from France, it is highly unlikely that she was there through her own choice. ”

Mr Stattersfield offered to fund the cost of her health check, vaccinations, microchip, pet passport and quarantine stay in order to save her life.

The Animal Inn Quarantine Kennels and Cattery in Ringwould looked after the kitten over the Christmas period at a reduced rate until she was collected by staff from the vets and returned to their kennels in Castle Street, Dover.

She was named Tash by the nurses, inspired by her moustache-like facial markings.

Staff realised she would make a lovely pet for a loving home.

The vets advertised for cat lovers on their Facebook page and found new owners Kirsty and Ruben Garcia-Mills, who live in Dover.

Mrs Garcia-Mills said: “She is settling in well and loves a cuddle.”