Click on the green play button to see video of the kittens, Bernie and other cats cared for by Paws.

The four little brothers and sisters were snatched away from their mother just days after their birth two weeks ago and left in a box.

Luckily, Ginger Biscuit, Fred, Dorothy and Snowdrop were discovered just in time and are being hand-reared at Findon animal sanctuary Paws.

Stacey Mcspirit and Sheila Steere are caring for the pair at the charity in The Oval.

Missing mother

Both agreed: "We wonder what has happened to their mother.

"The kittens were crying pitifully for her.

"Thanks to the prompt actions of a good Samaritan, who rescued the box from the river bank, the kittens will hopefully survive and be found good homes – no thanks to the person who dumped them."

The kittens are being fed special formula day and night but will soon be ready to start kitten food.

Sheila said: "It is exhausting, but we love doing it."

They have also been joined by a little tabby called Tiger, who was found abandoned behind a pub in Fittleworth.

The kittens will be ready for new homes in about five weeks.

Burnt Bernie

There is a very sad tale behind Bernie's name – the black kitten was injured after the sofa in which he was sleeping was set alight on a bonfire.

It was not a deliberate act of cruelty, as it was not known Bernie was inside the sofa, but he was left with bad burns on his ears, feet and nose.

Stacey said: "He is a poor baby. He is no older than a year.

"We would like to find him a new home and I am sure we will.

"He needs to be the only animal in the family and given lots of attention."

Paws support

Bernie lives at Paws, with a few friends for company, including a large tabby called Hannibal Lecter, a female cat called Purdy and a little kitten called Titch, who was given to Paws after the owner was evicted from their home.

Find out more about Paws work with animals by clicking here.

To support Paws with donations, or re-home an animal, telephone 01903 872734.

Paws is open from 3pm to 5pm every Sunday and there is an on-site gift shop and plant and egg sale.

Star pets

Is your pet a star?

Are you an animal fan?

The Herald and Gazette series wants to hear from readers who have fabulous pets to feature in star pets.

All you need to do is send in a photograph of your pet, with their name, age, breed, likes and dislikes, as well as your own contact details.

Write in to Star Pets, Worthing Herald series web editorial, Cannon House, Chatsworth Road, Worthing, BN11 1NA, or email sarah.booker@worthingherald.co.uk

You can also send in video in WMV format on disc, USB pen drive or by email if it is less than 5MB.

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