A band of cat-loving cleaners and locals sprang into action on the morning of 13 November to save a litter of five-week-old kittens dumped at Nirimba Primary School.

Aura mother Gail Burridge noticed a post on social media at around 6am, from a Nirimba Primary staff member Leigh James who had stumbled upon a litter of kittens when he arrived on campus.

“I saw the post just after 6am and I was at the school by before 7am,” Ms Burridge said.

“I come from a rescue background and I was bundling up three kittens a cleaner had found when there was a shriek that another had been found, and it was stuck.”

The kitten had wedged itself between a brick wall and a plumbing pipe, with a team effort required to free it.

“We thought it might die at one point, but we got it out,” Ms Burridge said.

She contacted Sunshine Coast Animal Refuge (SCARS) and took the four kittens home out of the heat and rehydrated them before dropping them off.

“A few hours later I got a call that they’d found another kitten – this one was stuck in a rat trap,” Ms Burridge said.

She rushed to the school and rescued the fifth kitten, which, against all odds survived its ordeal and instantly bonded with Ms. Burridge.

“I need to make that kitten my cat – I just need to convince my husband when they’re ready to be rehomed,” she said.

“There was talk that these could be wild cats but they’re not, they’re used to human handling and very cuddly.”

Nelly Vitkind, who was involved with surrendering the litter to SCARS, said it was her life’s ambition to help animals in need.

“They don’t have voice but they have feelings and emotions just like us,” Ms Vitkind said.

“I think in a way, at least these kittens were left somewhere that people would find them.

“People sometimes do leave poor, vulnerable kittens wrapped in plastic trash bags, in bins, in the bushland or in the completely closed boxes.”

Mr. James credited the response to his social media post to save the kittens as a true testament to the community’s spirit.

“It was definitely a team effort,” he said.

The RSPCA encouraged Queenslanders to think carefully before buying a pet as a gift this Christmas.

Their “Pets are for life, not just for Christmas” campaign reminds those welcoming a pet to the family to make sure they can commit to its lifelong care.

Sometimes, situations arise that may be outside your control, and if you find you can no longer keep your pet, RSPCA Queensland can assist by calling 13 ANIMAL (264 625).