FIVE kittens have been rescued from a chimney in Central Fife after a cat gave birth to them in it.

The Scottish SPCA was called out to the unusual rescue after a cat gave birth to five kittens in a chimney in Kelty.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted to the unusual ‘cat-ernity’ ward location when a worried owner rang them to say they feared their cat had given birth on their roof on the town’s Main Street on March 30.

Scottish SPCA senior animal rescue officer Robert Ward said: “Cats normally try to find somewhere safe and private to give birth but we’re not sure why this expectant mother decided a chimney would be better than in the comfort of her own home.

“The owner initially feared the kittens were on the roof but we discovered they were, in fact, inside a chimney stack.

“Thankfully, we were able to call on the assistance of our friends at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service who were able to reach the kittens on the roof and safely bring them down to be reunited with their mother and owner. We’re so grateful for their help as otherwise we would have had no way to reach them.

“Thankfully, the feline family were none the worse for wear after their dramatic start to life and are now safe and warm inside the house rather than on top of it!

“If anyone needs help to rescue a trapped or distressed animal they can call our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”

Mark Bryce, SFRS Local Senior Officer for Stirling, Clackmannanshire and Fife said; “While the statutory responsibility for animal rescue lies with the Scottish SPCA, we will always attend where there is a risk that a member of the public might put themselves in danger by attempting to effect their own rescue.

“As a humanitarian organisation, SFRS crews use their technical training and expertise as well as specialist equipment to rescue animals. I’m pleased we were able to assist in this happy event.”