BOSTON (WPRI) — Veterinarians with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) are working around the clock to nurse two 3-week-old kittens back to health. The kittens were among the three sole survivors of their litter and were surrendered from an Essex County ho me on March 7, according to the MSPCA. "The kittens were covered in fleas, which caused severe anemia — something that’s a problem for any animal, but it's deadly for young cats like these," MSPCA-Angell's Mike Keiley said. "Their red blood cell counts were critically low." Keiley said the kittens received emergency blood transfusions at the Larson Kelly Community Clinic immediately upon being surrendered and examined. "We've been doing everything we can to keep these kittens alive,” he said. "Unfortunately, one of them didn't make it, but we’re cautiously optimistic we can save the other two." The kittens spent time in a foster home with Chicken, a dog who works with many MSPCA shelter animals. (Courtesy: MSPCA-Angell)The three kittens shortly after their arrival at Angell Animal Medical Center. The white kitten did not survive. (Courtesy: MSPCA-Angell)The two surviving kittens are being given around-the-clock care in a foster home. (Courtesy: MSPCA-Angell)The MSPCA plans on posting updates about the kittens's status on its social media pages. (Courtesy: MSPCA-Angell) Keiley explained that the kittens had been living in a home with seven other cats, of which three weren't spayed or neutered. Two of the three kittens' littermates died before the MSPCA was called and intervened. He said this highlights the importance of pet owners making sure their cats are spayed or neutered. "Their owner loves these cats, but is older and dealing with their own medical issues that, coupled with the challenges of finding affordable spay/neuter, led to this," Keiley said. MSPCA Law Enforcement is working with the kittens' owner to provide preventative care for the remaining cats in the home, including spaying and neutering when necessary. Keiley said the two kittens will remain at the MSPCA for at least five more weeks before vbeing put up for adoption. "It's too early for us to start thinking about adoption," Keiley said. "Right now, our focus is on making sure the kittens survive and getting them fully healthy." The Essex County home cats will be among 200 animals spayed or neutered during the MSPCA's Giving Day on March 20, which Keiley said is designed to address "a critical backlog" that could lead to a spike in homeless animals statewide. “Given how large the backlog is, we need to take action now, which is why we're committed to doing hundreds of surgeries in a single day — a lofty, but necessary goal," he said. Anyone interested in making a donation toward the kittens' care, or supporting the MSPCA's spay/neutering efforts, can do so online. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media:                     Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW ...read more read less