This Mother’s Day, Battersea is celebrating two very special mums—Hovis and Grasshopper—who arrived at the charity’s centres just in time to give birth to their adorable litters.
This Mother’s Day, Battersea is celebrating two very special mums—Hovis and Grasshopper—who arrived at the charity’s centres just in time to give birth to their adorable litters. While their tiny bundles of joy have delighted staff and volunteers, their stories also highlight the importance of neutering to prevent unexpected pregnancies.
Four-year-old Hovis earned the affectionate nickname ‘the lovely mother of breads’ when she arrived at Battersea’s London centre so round with kittens that it was clear something was in the oven. Sure enough, she soon welcomed three perfectly baked little bundles, now named Chapati, Doughball, and Bap.
Meanwhile, one-year-old Grasshopper was found fending for herself as a stray while heavily pregnant. A kind-hearted member of the public had been feeding her before calling for help, and she was brought to Battersea’s Old Windsor centre just in time to give birth to six bouncing kittens: Snail, Dragonfly, Cricket, Glow-worm, Bumblebee, and Ladybird. Inspired by the place she was found, her tiny babies were given adorable insect-themed names—a sweet nod to their mother’s time surviving in the wild.
Despite their young ages, Hovis and Grasshopper have already experienced the demands of motherhood, showing just how quickly cats can become pregnant if left unneutered. Female cats can have their first season as early as four months old and can give birth to multiple litters each year. Without intervention, young mother cats like Hovis and Grasshopper may face the challenge of rearing kittens in unsafe or unsuitable environments.
In 2024, Battersea took in 2,454 cats. Of these, nearly 60% arrived unneutered, highlighting the ongoing need for proactive spaying and neutering. Over the year, the charity carried out 1,455 neutering procedures, including 537 early neuters on kittens, helping to prevent future unwanted litters.
Commenting on Hovis and Grasshopper’s stories, Battersea’s Rehoming and Welfare Manager Bridie Williams said: “It’s been an absolute joy to watch Hovis and Grasshopper care for their little ones, and we know their kittens will bring so much happiness to their future families. But their stories also remind us how quickly cats can find themselves expecting. Many young mums and their kittens aren’t as lucky, which is why we encourage owners to neuter their pets. Not only does it prevent unwanted litters, but it also helps keep cats healthier and happier in the long run.”
This Mother’s Day, Battersea is encouraging pet owners to celebrate their furry family members responsibly by ensuring they are neutered, helping to protect both them and future generations of kittens.
To find out more about pet neutering.
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For further information, images or interviews please contact press@battersea.org.uk.
Notes to editors
C4 is also known as the Capital Cat Care Campaign
About Battersea
- At Battersea we offer our love and expert care to dogs and cats who need us by rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals at our centres, and by sharing our knowledge and resources with other organisations around the world. We do this because we want to help every dog and cat, everywhere.
- In 2023 Battersea directly cared for 2,529 dogs and 2,450 cats at our three centres. We also helped thousands more through campaigning work, supporting other rescues and animal welfare advocates, and sharing knowledge and advice with pet owners.
- Battersea has three centres based in London; Old Windsor, Berkshire; and Brands Hatch, Kent.
- To find out more visit our website or follow Battersea on X @battersea_, Instagram @battersea or facebook.com/Battersea.