Smarty the cat gives birth in Telford pub

The dark tortoiseshell cat called Smarty and her four kittens are being cared for at Northwood Grange Cattery in Fauls Green, near Whitchurch, after they were born at The Bucks Head in Telford.

Gary Powell, bar manager at The Bucks Head, said: "The previous tenant fed stray cats when they came around and since we moved in this cat has been coming back and forward for weeks.

"It was about 11.30pm to 12am on Saturday night when everyone had gone home and we were locking up.

"I was closing the door to the smoking area when I looked down and saw a newborn kitten.

"We blocked off the door so the cat couldn't get out and left a box out and put some bedding in it. By the next morning it had four kittens."

Yvonne Jennison, owner of the cattery, said: "I have heard about cats giving birth in barns, by people's front doors and in gardens, but this is a new one.

"I got a phone call asking if I had any space. I then went and got them.

"Staff at the pub did very well, they put them in the porchway and they were nice and snug.

"The mother has been unable to feed her kittens as she has not got any milk. It probably means she wasn't receiving good nutrients before she gave birth.

"It means I have been getting up every two hours in the night feeding them.

"We called her Smarty because we thought she was smart asking for help. Maybe she knew she didn't have any milk and knew she had to ask for human help.

"She is absolutely delightful, friendly and is a good mother. She has been cleaning her kittens and trying to get them to feed. She can't be more than 12 months old."

Mrs Jennison added: "The RSPCA has to advertise her for seven days but so far no-one has come forward. to claim her.

"If no-one comes forward we will look after her until she is ready to be rehomed. We will look after her injections and microchip her."