Two tiny kittens who survived a house fire in Abbotsford are recovering after their harrowing ordeal.

Suffering from smoke inhalation, burns, and badly singed fur and whiskers, the eight-week-old orange tabby kitties, named Virginia and Slip, are recuperating in incubators, and Abbotsford BC SPCA Branch staff are hoping the public can help them on their road to recovery.

“When we were called by the Abbotsford fire department, a staff member rushed over right away, and saw Slip’s tiny, charred body in the hands of a firefighter, an oxygen mask over his face,” says Abbotsford BC SPCA Branch manager Sarah Ringer.

“His sister, Virginia, was wrapped in a blanket to keep her warm and prevent shock… there was a third sibling, but sadly, the trauma she suffered was too great, and we had to say ‘goodbye’ to her on-site.”

Rushed to a local veterinary hospital, Slip and Virginia both suffered exposure to smoke, singed fur and whiskers, and in Slip’s case, severe burns that may mean the brave kitten could lose the tip of his tail and possibly, some toes.

“The staff at Coastal Rivers Pet Hospital have been so generous in helping with these kittens – they have gone above and beyond in saving their lives,” Ringer says.

Surrendered to the BC SPCA, the kittens will be available for adoption in about four to six weeks, once they’re fully recovered and old enough.

“They’re such sweet, adorable little kittens – we just want them to have the chance to live out the rest of their nine lives in loving, forever homes,” she says.

The medical costs associated with treating Virginia and Slip is expected to be $2,700. A non-profit organization, the BC SPCA relies primarily on public donations to carry out its life-saving work in helping the province’s most vulnerable animals.

If you can help Slip and Virginia and other animals like them in need at the Abbotsford SPCA, you can donate online, at spca.bc.ca/medicalemergency or in person at 34312 Industrial Way, Abbotsford.