The real-life star of RSPCA Christmas film had been treated at Putney Animal Hospital

Frankie, the tiny grey kitten, was discovered after he wandered into a flat in Catford, South East London, at just four weeks old. The small kitten was emaciated, lethargic and dehydrated. He was taken to RSPCA Putney Animal Hospital in London where he was put on fluids and needed feeding round the clock as he was so young.



Vet nurse Emma Turner fostered the little cross-eyed kitten so she could keep up his regular feeds and a few weeks ago, he was rehomed.

Frankie has now been named Lucio by his new owner, Rebecca Da Re who lives in Barnes, London. She said: “I think Lucio knew from the moment we collected him that he was going to his forever home, he was so calm and slept on me for the whole journey home. He has settled in so well, he’s the perfect addition to our family.”

Rebecca, her husband Roberto and their son Romeo, eight, as well as their other rescue cat Merlin, welcomed Frankie - now Lucio - into their home.

Rebecca added: “Our little boy Romeo has autism and Lucio has proven to be the most wonderful companion for him. Lucio has such a therapeutic, calming effect on Romeo. He’s so gentle with him and always keeping watch. Wherever Romeo is that is where Lucio will be!”
Rebecca and the family also adopted their other cat Merlin from the RSPCA about a year ago and the two cats are slowly becoming closer and have formed a lovely bond.

Rebecca added: “Our family is wonderfully complete and we can’t thank Putney Hospital, the foster carers and RSPCA South Godstone enough for making this happen, rescuing, taking care of him and all of the other animals that they do!"

The video - made in-house by the RSPCA’s broadcast team and starring staff and friends who gave up their own time for filming - features a cover of Starship’s ‘Nothing’s gonna stop us now’ sung by RSPCA press officer and singer Lucy Ellie. It follows the story of Tink the Shetland pony who dreams of becoming one of Santa’s reindeer and delivering gifts to her fellow rescue animals. Tink visits different animal centres with her cat delivering gifts of comfort, care and safety to the animals in need. Poppy and Frankie can be spotted in the Christmas film receiving presents from Tink. Available to watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfD7X6RawXg

December 5, 2019