A tiny kitten with a distinctive moustache-like marking, reminiscent of the gaming icon Super Mario, is seeking a loving forever home. The playful young feline, affectionately named Mario, was found wandering alone and crying in Tipton in July, separated from his mother at only five weeks old. He was rescued by RSPCA officers and taken to the Birmingham Animal Centre and Hospital in Frankley Green, where he is being lovingly cared for by Animal Care Assistant and hand-rearing specialist Chloe Sewell.
Chloe described Mario as “a typical boisterous, cheeky, mischievous little kitten” who brings a lot of joy and energy. “He’s utterly adorable and great fun to have around, although he does need to learn some social skills and improve his manners,” she said. Mario is highly playful and loves to interact, although he sometimes mistakes hands for toys and bites playfully. When resting, he can be affectionate and cuddly, purring contentedly, though he is not yet a lap cat – a trait that may change as he matures.
Having been with Chloe constantly for five weeks, Mario follows her both at work and home. He shares a special bond with her dog, Henry, and the two enjoy hours of energetic play. Because of Mario’s lively and adventurous nature, similar to his Mushroom Kingdom namesake, the RSPCA hopes to find him a home with an active family ready to engage in plenty of play. They also hope his new family already has another cat or dog for companionship.
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Chloe emphasised the importance of a home where Mario can enjoy outdoor access once he is old enough. She added that Mario would thrive in a household with children, as he loves playing with lots of people.
Those interested in giving Mario a loving home are encouraged to contact the Birmingham RSPCA centre via email at [email protected] or by phone on 0300 123 8585.
Mario’s rescue coincides with the RSPCA’s annual Stream for Every Kind event, which takes place during the first weekend of Adoptober, the charity’s pet rehoming campaign running from October 2 to 4. The event invites video game enthusiasts, streamers, and content creators to raise funds and awareness for the RSPCA’s work in rescuing and rehoming animals.
The RSPCA is currently facing significant challenges, with a growing number of cats and kittens needing care. Recent figures from the charity’s Cruelty Hurts, Love Rescues campaign highlight a 67% increase in multi-cat cases involving ten or more cats in a single property during the past year, with officers responding to nearly five such incidents daily.
This surge in cases, coupled with a busy breeding season, has placed considerable pressure on the charity’s rehoming centres. Supporters are encouraged to help by visiting rspca.org.uk/summer-appeal to contribute towards care for animals like Mario.
To view all the animals currently awaiting new homes through the RSPCA across England and Wales, please visit rspca.org.uk/findapet.