Eight-week-old Bess saved by a whisker thanks to pub landlord.

A black cat crossing your path is usually a sign of good luck.

But the shoe was on the other paw for a black-and-white kitten rescued in Swinderby at the start of the year.

The eight-week-old female feline was found dumped in a carrier bag at the side of the road by a man out walking his dog.

The villager took the dying kitten to a nearby vet, who told if she could not be rehomed, she would have to be put down.

Word spread and the kitten, now christened Bess, has found a new home at The Bugle Horn Inn in Bassingham.

The owners of the pub, who trade under the name The Black Cat Real Pub Company, have adopted Bess as their new mascot, and she can often be found at the bar drinking milk alongside the regulars.

Company director Matthew Walsh said Bess was now fit and healthy, and had settled in to her new home.

“She’d made herself comfortable within half an hour of arriving here,” he said.

“We already have a black cat named Stumpy, who’s 22 years old, and they get on well.

“Bess has already used up two of her nine lives, but she’s settled in now. She quickly got her paws under the bar and she’s ready to make her debut with the customers.

“On a serious note, we were appalled at the cruelty shown to such a defenceless animal and we can only hope that people will stop and think about their actions before abandoning helpless animals in the future.

“If people find themselves with animals they are unable to cope with, a simple internet search will identify charities and organisations able to help.”

The old adage goes that a pet is for life and not just for Christmas.
However, cat carer and chairman for the RSPCA Lincolnshire branch, Karen Ansell, said that the Christmas period is undoubtedly her busiest time of year.

She said: “The number of cats I’ve adopted continues to go up over Christmas. Since the beginning of December, I’ve personally taken in 17 cats. The average for a month is usually around four or five.

“We always say to pet owners that if circumstances change, such as working longer hours or not having as much money to look after a pet, there are always charities and organisations who will take a pet in.

“If you’ve adopted from RSPCA, we will always take an animal back.

“There’s simply no need to dump a poor kitten at the side of the road. It’s ridiculous.”