Bengal kitten found by road 'dumped by backstreet dealer'

A Bengal kitten was found dumped on a roadside with an ear infection so severe she was unable to walk, amid fears she may have been abandoned by a backstreet dealer.

Lucky, aged one, was severely dehydrated and malnourished, and unable to put any weight on her front legs.

She is now taking her first steps, with the help of physio, but is feared to have been abandoned by backstreet cat dealers – with the luxury breed selling for around £1500.

The breed is known for its playful and curious personality and stunning looks including a spotted and marbled coat, resembling a leopard.

Lucky was discovered at the roadside of Lenabo Woods near Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, on April 22 by a member of the public.

She was rushed in for emergency treatment and was found to have a severe ear mite infestation which may be the cause of her mobility issues, and she is not able to urinate by herself.

The young kitten will remain at the vets and will be handed into the care of the Fraserburgh and Peterhead Cats Protection branch once she recovers.

A fundraising page has been launched to help pay for her medical bills and physiotherapy with £755 raised so far.

Fraserburgh and Peterhead Cats Protection branch coordinator Ron MacLean said: “We really do not know what happened but she certainly couldn’t have got to this location on her own.

“She was possibly dumped by a back street dealer as she is part Bengal.

“When it became obvious that she was going to be in vet care for a while we decided to start the fundraiser, as we know people around here respond wonderfully to distressed animal cases.”