Volunteer team rescues frozen mum cat and kittens in Glasgow’s Arden

The feline family was discovered sheltering on a balcony couch in the Arden area, prompting a call to Protect Cats Scotland, a small volunteer-run charity.

Volunteers launched what became a nearly two-week rescue operation that began during “stormy, freezing weather ” conditions.

One of the kittens which was rescued during the 12-day rescue mission in Arden, Glasgow (Image: Protect Cats Scotland)

By the time the team arrived, the mother cat had moved to a different location, but volunteers managed to secure one of her kittens.

In a statement posted online, the charity explained that rescues like these require “lots of time, patience, strategy and thinking like a cat.”

The mother was eventually found in her “safe space”, a garden shed nestled among nettle bushes and decking, with only “limited” access for rescue efforts.

The mum cat was hiding during the rescue operation in Arden, Glasgow (Image: Protect Cats Scotland)

After 12 days of searching in harsh winter conditions, and with help from the local community, volunteers successfully caught all four cats using a cat trap, garden shears, a claw hammer, and a wildlife camera.

The mother cat has been affectionately named Babs, and her kittens Zorro, Pebbles and Bam Bam.

The team said the cats are “safe, eating very well, and getting the vet treatment and all love they need.”

The mum cat was rescued during the 12-day mission in Arden, Glasgow (Image: Protect Cats Scotland)

They also thanked residents of Arden for their support throughout the rescue effort, emphasising the vital role that community involvement plays in their work.

The charity said: “We are so grateful for the help of the community and special thanks to Amber, Babs, Claire, Lauren, Ricky, and especially Haggis the miniature dachshund.

“As a small, volunteer-only, grassroots Scottish charity, we rely solely on donations to continue to help the cats that most desperately need it.”

The shed were the mum cat was hiding during the operation (Image: Protect Cats Scotland)

The charity’s supporters were quick to praise the team’s dedication online.

One person commented: “What a fantastic piece of work. Hats off to you all.”

Another supporter wrote: “Sounds like such a tremendous effort.”

Others expressed relief that the cats were now safe.

A third user posted: “Well done, glad wee mama and babies are safe.”

A fourth added: “How can anybody abandon an animal? It makes me so angry and upset.

“However, you do an amazing job helping these wee defenceless cuties.

“Well done.”

Protect Cats Scotland is a grassroots organisation entirely run by volunteers.

Supporters can donate directly through the charity’s website at https://www.protectcatsscotland.org/support-us .