A family dog has stepped in to nurse a litter of kittens after their mum became too poorly to look after them.

Mead, a former stray, gave birth to five kittens, but three days later she became ill and had to be rushed to an emergency vet.

Without hesitation, Neymar, a Yorkshire terrier/chihuahua-cross stepped into the breach and began looking after Mead's young.

She became a surrogate mum to the litter; cleaning them and keeping them warm.

They were all being looked after by volunteers at Anim-Mates animal charity.

The vet found Mead was very dehydrated, anaemic and had a severe bacterial infection.

It was days before she could be discharged and when she returned home with fosterers Natasha McPhee and Dee Potter, her kittens did not recognise her.

Dee said: “When she went back into the room to her kittens Mead instantly wanted to take on her mothering role again, however the kittens didn’t recognise her initially and were hissing and trying to get away from her.

“Because our dog had been their mum for a few days, the kittens didn’t recognise Mead’s smell.

“But after we rubbed some of the dog’s scent on Mead the kittens slowly started to feed from her.

“Because she had a buster collar on Mead wasn’t able to clean them and make them go to the toilet, so Neymar continue her role as groomer.

“Mead seemed happy with that arrangement.”

Eight weeks on, all but one of the kittens have been rehomed. Kemp, described as an outgoing, playful and friendly soul, is still looking for a new owner.

He is very inquisitive, extremely well socialised with other animals and loves the company of human beings.

He needs to go to a household with an existing young cat or kitten, so he can have a playmate.

A new owner will have to keep Kemp indoors until he is neutered at five months of age.

Kemp, who is about to start his vaccinations, has been flea and worm treated and microchipped.

If you can offer him a home, call 07808 625519.

Anim-Mates is a volunteer-run animal rescue group based in Ash, where all animals are cared for in the homes of fosterers until they are rehomed.

All new homes are subject to vetting. Visit www.anim-mates.org.uk