A NEWBORN kitten who suffers from a rare brain condition, leaving her with a twisted head, has been rescued and rehomed by a charity.

Tiny Peanut was just a few days old when she and her two siblings were rescued alongside their mum, Ebony.

Staff at a cat rescue centre who saved the moggies soon noticed that something wasn't quite right with Peanut.

Sam Davies, who runs Yorkshire Cat Rescue in Cross Roads, Keighley, said: "Peanut's little head tends to twist to the right. Initially we hoped that we could straighten her out with a bespoke exercise regime but sadly, she is suffering from a neurological disorder called cerebellar hypoplasia.

"This is a condition we see about once a year. It is caused either during pregnancy or by difficulty during labour, something sadly vets cannot help with when kittens are born outside.

"The degree of neurological damage varies and we will see how much it affects Peanut as she grows up."

After being rescued from a greenhouse in Normanton, Peanut and her family were taken in by cat foster carer Sue Greenwood.

Sue said: "Although Peanut has a neurological problem, she's keeping up with her siblings. She is feeding well and weighs the same as her two brothers. She's started to explore her surroundings and although she's a bit more wobbly than the others, she has the same energy and taste for adventure.

"Although her head generally tilts to the right, she can hold it straight when she stands up. It was tough to watch her struggle at first but Peanut is the furthest thing from unhappy. She doesn't know any different and is always full of joy."

Sam added: "Kittens who suffer from neurological difficulties are at greater risk of developing epilepsy as they develop through kittenhood.

"But we are determined to give Peanut every chance of a good life - however long that may be.

"For now, she is doing really well and we are hoping that she beats the odds. It does happen, so why not for her?"

"If she makes it through these challenging first few months, she'll learn to compensate for her disability, absorb the world around her and make a very special family pet."

Peanut's condition means after she is adopted it is likely that she will need to be kept as a house cat.

Sam said: "Cerebellar hypoplasia will affect her coordination and balance throughout her life. She won't be able to escape danger for example."

"This kitten is very lucky to have been found; she may not have survived without special care, and definitely not as a feral cat."

The cats will be put up for adoption to a loving home later this summer.