The couple, who are parents to Harlow, two, and Sparrow, 11 months, discovered the kitten in the grounds of their property and Richie admits she "couldn't resist" tending to the skinny cat.

And now the furry feline, named Tabitha Jones Madden, has become an official member of the Richie-Madden household.

In a post on her website, the reality TV star writes, "One dark and lonely night, I heard a little puss puss cry from outside. At first, I thought it was Joel. But to my surprise, there she was. A sad, and very hungry kitten. She looked groomed, and was a little chubby, so I assumed she was a neighbour's cat and ignored it. But she came back a week later and she was so skinny and I could tell she was starving. I couldn't resist. I fed her. It's been two months now, so I think it's safe to call her mine. So I went online and ordered her a house."