The RSPCA has reported a huge surge in calls as the UK was engulfed in snowstorms, with thousands of concerned Brits phoning in to report animals in need.
Over a four-day period, the animal welfare charity had a staggering 8,000 calls - a 300 per cent increase on normal - as the Beast from the East sparked concern among pet lovers.
RSPCA officers braved the conditions and treacherous driving conditions to rescue animals stuck in a spot of bother.
Caroline Allen, Veterinary Director at the Harmsworth branch, said: "There were 8,000 calls to our national call centre and that's a 300 per cent increase on what we'd normally expect."
Officers were on hand to help a cat through labour, who was initially thought to be injured, before giving birth to four kittens.
"We're not quite into kitten season yet but we had a call out to a poor mum that was giving birth in the snow.
"They thought that she was injured but when our collection officer got there he could hear little cries of the tiny kittens.
"One had been born and three more were born on the way to the hospital."
Frozen water and lack of food sources are key reasons for pets and wildlife suffering in the cold weather.
"Those strays who perhaps have just about been coping weather, this cold weather can put them in real danger."
