UP vets save protected black-footed kittens with caesarean section delivery

Abstract

It's one life down and eight to go for three protected black-footed kittens that were recently delivered by caesarean section after their mother, Athena, who has a history of lethargy and depression, was brought to the University of Pretoria (UP) Faculty of Veterinary Science’s Veterinary Academic Hospital. “The black-footed cat (Felis nigripes) is one of South Africa’s smallest and most enigmatic wild cat species. Their numbers, both in the wild and in captivity, are rapidly declining and they are currently listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List (2006) and are also listed under Appendix I by the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES),” said UP wildlife vet Dr Katja Koeppel, who performed the surgery.