It’s International Day of Happiness, and what's more sure to put a smile on your face than some kittens?

Daisy

Daisy | Photo: Cats Protection Bridgend – Sue Dobbs

As storm Emma came down hard on the UK, reeking havok on our transport systems and leaving many across the country without power, Cats Protection's Bridgend Adoption Centre was getting ready for some new arrivals.

Braving the weather to travel into the center, staff found that Daisy had gone into labour, and calmly gave birth to four, healthy kittens.

To name the kittens, the center reached out to followers on their Facebook page for suggestions. Born at the peak of the Beast from the East snow-storm, the kittens have each been given names to mark their date of birth:

Dewi

Which is Welsh for David, as they were born on St David’s Day

Emma

After the name of the storm that was battering the UK

Eira

The Welsh word for snow

Daffodil

To mark the first day of Spring.

Daisy-and-Kittens_9

Photo | Cats Protection Bridgend – Sue Dobbs

The kittens were soon given a check-up from the vets who declared they they were all fit, healthy, and ready to start exploring the world around them.

But not only are kittens incredibly cute, they can also have a great effect on your mental health. Research conducted by Cats Protection and the Mental Health Foundation found that 87% of people who owned a cat felt it had a positive impact on their wellbeing, while 76% said they could cope with everyday life much better thanks to the company of their four-legged friends.

Whilst we all love to see kittens, Cats Protection reminds us that the birth can be very stressful for the cat, and each kitten will need new homes and a lifetime of care. They recommend that it is best to get your cat neutered once they're four months old.

You can keep up-to-date with the Kitten Watch on Cats Protection blog, and make a one off donation to help support Daisy, and her kittens, here.