A Rutland-based cat rescue centre is hoping for a happy ending for one of their newest rescues.

Nine and a Half Lives Cat Rescue, based in Uppingham, have shared the story of one of their recently rescued cats in the hopes that she will find her new family.

While she has been described by the team as 'spicy', she is recovering well from her ordeal and is nearly ready to be rehomed.

The team shared her story on social media:

"Two weeks ago we collected Pepper and her 5 kittens after someone had seen her appear in their stable block a few days before.

"After a few days at NAAHL, it was obvious that Pepper had no interest at all in her kittens. She constantly growled at them and wouldn't let them sit with her.

"Little Pepper is under 2 years, and from information provided by local residents, we know that this is not Pepper's first litter - we took in a little lady, Penelope, last year, which we are told was Peppers kitten.

"The kittens were very hungry and had started eating the weaning patê, so we felt it safe to take her away from them and have some space of her own.

"The kittens are all doing well, eating like little ponies and using the litter tray.

"So, after a week away from the kittens Pepper, though very fussy, was still grumbling. As such we decided to get her spayed, microchipped and vaccinated ready to find her new family.

"Off Pepper went to the vets.

"The vet discovered, while Pepper was under anaesthetic, that she had a broken front canine tooth which would be causing her pain and making her grumpy so it had to be extracted. Otherwise Pepper was in good health.

"But then Pepper decided to give everyone a fright as she didn't recover too well from the anaesthetic and her body temperature dropped.

"She had to have extra fluids and spend the rest of the day being warmed up by the vets.

"Thank you to Rutland Veterinary Centre in Uppingham for looking after Pepper.

"Pepper is back at NAAHL now , fully recovered and would like to look for a new family.

"Pepper is a very friendly girl but still grumbles a bit as I doubt she's had much human affection in her life.

"She needs a family with patience and older children. She is ok with another cats but not a multiple cat household and has no experience that we know of with dogs.

"If you feel Pepper is the spicy girl for you please contact us via Direct messenger or on 07967537855."

Find out more about Pepper and other locally rescued cats on the Nine and a Half Lives Facebook page or by emailing the team on [email protected].

You you be Pepper's fur-ever family?