An East Lancashire cat rescuer is appealing for donations after finding a kitten with a life-threatening condition.

Louise Fowler, who runs Little Tinkers Cat Rescue in Blackburn, has set up a GoFundMe page to pay for a cat’s life-saving operation.

Seven-month-old Clause was found near Travis Perkins Builders Yard in Blackburn.

He was discovered with a diaphragmatic hernia which had pushed his organs up into his chest, making it difficult for him to breathe.

Louise said: “If he had been left at the yard he would have died. The poor mum cat had been there for three years giving birth and nobody contacting rescue for help for her.

“God knows what happened to her previous litters.”

Lancashire Telegraph: 7-month-old Clause was found at Travis Perkins Builders Yard in Blackburn.7-month-old Clause was found at Travis Perkins Builders Yard in Blackburn.

“The vets scanned him as his breathing was not normal and could see a problem with his diaphragm but without opening him up didn't know if anything could be done.

“They offered euthanasia or open up to see if he could be fixed...I opted to give him the chance.”

Thankfully, the operation was a success and Clause is now recovering well with his stitches set to be removed later this week.

However, Louise and the cat rescue have been left with the eye-watering vet bills which have amassed to over £1,700.

She has set up a GoFundMe to help ease the financial burden and is hoping to raise £1,500.

She will also used money raised to pay for neutering, chipping and vaccinations.

Louise is also urging the public to neuter their cats to prevent the current “cat overpopulation crisis” in the UK.

Lancashire Telegraph: Louise Fowler, owner of Little Tinkers Cat Rescue in BlackburnLouise Fowler, owner of Little Tinkers Cat Rescue in Blackburn

She said: “There are too many cats and not enough homes. Rescue centres all over the UK are struggling and are full including ourselves.

“Neutering your female cat reduces the risk of mammary cancer, uterine infections and stops unwanted kittens from being born.

“Unneutered males will travel miles looking for a female in heat, becoming lost and also risking their lives crossing busy roads.

“The majority of deceased cats we pick up off the roads are unneutered males.”

You can donate to the GoFundMe by visiting the website: https://gofund.me/b198bc59