A cat and her four newborn kittens are lucky to be alive after being found sheltering under a hedge during the storms that have hit the UK over the last few weeks.
The family were found by a member of the public in Kirkcaldy, Scotland, who contacted the Scottish SPCA.
Animal Rescue Officer Kieran Smart said, "These kittens are very young, no more than a few days old.
"It's likely that Gale has escaped from home just before giving birth as she is in good overall condition.
"With the recent high winds and cold temperatures we've experienced, these kittens wouldn't have survived for long outside so we're very glad they were found."
She added that although they were frightened, all members of the family are doing well and as the mother is a distinctive tri-coloured cat, the charity is hoping someone will recognise her.
They are now recovering at the Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre, where the mother has been aptly named Gale.
