Skip to content

'Smelly cats' in rubbish dump named after TV's Friends

Kim McNeill Six kittens looking into the camera Kim McNeill
The One with the Six Kittens - Joey, Ross, Chandler, Phoebe, Monica and Rachel had a strong bond

Six abandoned kittens suffering from fleas, worms and malnutrition have been rehomed after being found in a rubbish tip in the south of Scotland.

The litter, three males and three females, were given the names of the characters from the sitcom Friends - Joey, Ross, Chandler, Phoebe, Monica and Rachel.

Borders Pet Rescue nursed the four-week-old kittens back to health after they were rescued from Eyemouth Recycling Centre.

Centre manager Kim McNeill said the "strong bond and the laughter they brought to us" inspired the names and they had now all found "wonderful homes".

Getty Images The cast of friendsGetty Images
The kittens were inspired by the "strong bond and laughter" of the Friends cast

Kim said a member of the public contacted them after finding the kittens at the recycling centre in a "heartbreaking scene" on 27 May.

She said: "All were suffering from severe malnutrition, flea and worm infestations, and painful eye infections.

"They were frightened, weak, and understandably wary of human contact."

She said their vet team provided medical treatment for their eyes and the parasites.

Kim added: "These kittens needed more than medicine - they needed time, patience, and love.

"Fortunately, one of our amazing foster carers stepped in and gave the kittens a safe, nurturing environment where they could begin to trust again.

"Over several weeks, they slowly gained confidence, learned how to play, and experienced the warmth of a home for the first time."

Kim McNeill Six kittens looking tired and bedraggled with obvious eye infections Kim McNeill
The Kitten Friends were suffering from malnutrition and eye infections when they were found

After about a month in foster care they were "healthy and full of personality" and Borders Pet Rescue began to look for their "forever homes".

"Inspired by their strong bond and the laughter they brought to us, we named them after characters from Friends - three girls and three boys," Kim said.

In the 90s comedy, guitar-playing character Phoebe famously sang a song 'Smelly Cat' about a neglected pet.

Kim said their Kitten Friends had "captured hearts" on social media, allowing them to raise thousands of pounds for their veterinary care and spread the word about their search for owners.

"We're delighted to share that all six kittens have now been adopted into wonderful homes, each beginning a new chapter filled with love and joy," she said.