Stowaway Spanish kitten found in truck arriving on ferry in UK

An adorable kitten that was found on a truck arriving in the UK from Spain will now be rehomed in Hampshire.

Paella the stowaway kitten will soon be on his way to a loving home in Britain after being found in a Spanish lorry at Portsmouth.

See also: Tiny kitten found abandoned on London Tube

See also: Fishermen save two kittens from drowning in river

The friendly tabby, thought to be around four weeks old, was spotted by border officials during a routine search of vehicles leaving a ferry at Portsmouth International Port.

It is thought that he may have been sheltering in the lorry with his mother before getting trapped in the vehicle alone when it started its journey to the UK.

Portsmouth City Council, which runs the port, arranged for him to be cared for by Cats Protection, who gave him his name.

When he was found, vets were not sure if he would survive. He has spent the past few weeks recovering from an infection, but his future is now looking positive.

Paella will be held in quarantine in Hampshire until early November, after which the charity will find him a new home in the local area.

Zahir White from Cats Protection said: "When we were contacted about Paella we arranged for him to see a vet for a check-up before he went into quarantine. He was quite poorly, but after being given antibiotics and eye drops for an eye infection, he's making good progress. Once he's fully recovered and past his quarantine period, he'll be taken in by one of our nearby branches or centres and found a new home in the Hampshire area.

"Cats Protection is paying for his quarantine and vet costs, which are likely to reach around £1,300, so we'd be grateful for any donations towards this.

"Anyone keen to register an interest in adopting Paella, or to make a donation towards his care, can call our national helpline on 03000 12 12 12."

Lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. All funds raised in excess of the Paella appeal will be used to help other cats in the charity's care.

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