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A CAR owner couldn't believe his eyes when he returned to find a cat had given birth to three kittens on his back seat.

The SSPCA were called out by the surprised driver after he made the discovery on Sunday evening outside his home in Clydebank.

Officers named the mother Elise and her three kittens, Nova, Astra and Dodge to pay tribute to their unusual birth place.

The animal welfare charity is seeking the owner of Elise, who may have strayed from home before giving birth. Two other newborn kittens were also found nearby and it is thought they also belonged to Elise.

Elise and her kittens are now in the care of the SSPCA's Dunbartonshire and West Scotland Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Milton.

Animal Rescue Officer Amy Robb said, "Two newborn kittens were found on the same street earlier that day and were taken to our centre in Glasgow, where we were able to find them a foster mum.

"When we received the call about Elise we knew the two kittens must have belonged to her but as they had already been accepted by another cat she would most likely have rejected them.

"Poor Elise must have given birth on the street and then climbed in the car window to have her remaining three kittens.

"The owner of the car and his girlfriend got a real surprise when they found the cats on the back seat.

"Elise is in good condition and we think her owner may be missing her. If this is the case it would be great to return her to the comforts of her own home while she rears Nova, Astra and Dodge.

"If we aren't able to return them home, we'll find them all loving new owners when the time is right."

Anyone who recognises Elise is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA's animal helpline on 03000 999 999.