Cat and kittens 'lucky to be alive' after being abandoned in mushroom box in Cornwall

Portobello and her kittens in the mushroom box they were dumped in. Credit: Cats Protection

A cat and her four kittens have been found abandoned in a mushroom box by the side of a road in Cornwall. The charity Cats Protection says they are lucky to be alive after they were spotted by passers-by.

The cardboard box, which had ‘closed cap mushrooms’ printed on the side, was discovered by two members of the public between St Blazey and Par on Thursday 11 April 2019. They took the animals to Cats Protection's Cornwall Adoption Centre in Point Road, Carnon Downs near Truro where they are being looked after.

The four kittens are called Shitake, Chantarelle, Porcini and King Trumpet in honour of the mushroom box they were found in. Credit: Cats Protection

They've been given names inspired by the mushroom box they were found in. The mother has been named Portobello and the four kittens – two males and two females – are called Shitake, Chantarelle, Porcini and King Trumpet.

The family will remain in the care of Cats Protection for eight weeks until being found new homes.

  • Watch mum Portobello caring for her four babies

Anyone interested in giving the cats a new home can keep an eye out for them on the centre’s website.

Find out more about the charity's care for Portobello and her kittens here.

Staff are asking people who can no longer look after their cats to get in touch with them rather than abandon them.

Portobello was severely underweight when she was found but is now in good hands. Credit: Cats Protection