For about eight months Lucy lived in a cardboard box alongside a busy railway line.

Strood resident Kerry Atkins said: “My fiancé spotted Lucy near his workplace in south east London.

“He kept an eye out for her and when he noticed she was pregnant we took her in as the weather was dreadful and the kittens would not have survived.

“Our vet said it looked like she had been homeless for some time as she was very dirty and quite thin. Otherwise she was in good health.

“Lucy gave birth to three lovely kittens and when they were old enough we found them homes with friends.

“We had intended to keep Lucy but even after living with them for three months, she did not get on with our two cats, and they became increasingly frightened of her.

“Lucy is a very friendly, chatty cat. She was great with my young children. They both picked her up and she was happy to be held in their arms and be made a fuss of.”

Fosterer Bobbie Bajwa said: “Soon after taking Lucy into our care we had her neutered, vaccinated and microchipped as well as flea and worm treated. We are now looking for a new home for this very friendly girl, where she will be the only cat.”

Call Bobbie on 07808 625519.