Curiosity saves the kitten in Carnlough

A Carnlough kitten narrowly escaped drowning in the harbour last week after being rescued by a tour boat - aptly named Curiosity.
Little kitten Pearl, who was rescued by Davy Smith from Carnlough Harbour. INLT-30-712-conLittle kitten Pearl, who was rescued by Davy Smith from Carnlough Harbour. INLT-30-712-con
Little kitten Pearl, who was rescued by Davy Smith from Carnlough Harbour. INLT-30-712-con

Owner of Carnlough Bay Boat Tours Davy Smyth launched his tour business last Tuesday, and was on his vessel the following day when the drama unfolded.

“It was my second day of operation and I was waiting for passengers when tourists alerted me that there was an animal in the water,” he recalled.

“I went out on the boat and all you could see was its wee paw above the surface, it was nearly drowned.

Davy Smith's tour boat Curiosity. INLT-30-711-conDavy Smith's tour boat Curiosity. INLT-30-711-con
Davy Smith's tour boat Curiosity. INLT-30-711-con

“I got it out and then took it over to my mother’s house where we dried it and warmed it up with hot water bottles.

“It could have ended up being my ship’s cat, but my cousin Isobel McCaughan took her to Little Cat Rescue NI, who have found a home for her.”

The irony of his boat rescuing a cat is not lost on Davy.

“People say that curiosity killed the cat, but in this case it saved it!” he laughed.

Davy Smith's tour boat Curiosity. INLT-30-711-conDavy Smith's tour boat Curiosity. INLT-30-711-con
Davy Smith's tour boat Curiosity. INLT-30-711-con

The young black female kitten has been named Pearl and is now recovering after her ordeal.

Helen McFerran, of Little Cat Rescue NI, said: “She is around eight to nine weeks old, and has been weaned from her mother.

“We will be getting her right as rain and rehoming her. Anyone who wishes to rehome one of our other kittens is welcome to get in touch.”

Visit Little Cat Rescue NI on Facebook for more information.

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