KATE Ferdinand has been left heartbroken after husband Rio shut down plans to extend their family.

The mum-of-five is currently , where the family stumbled across two stray kittens during their break.

NINTCHDBPICT001061999487Kate and Rio are currently holidaying in the MaldivesCredit: Instagram/ @xkateferdinand NINTCHDBPICT001071604529Kate says that she’s ‘fallen in love’ with the kittensCredit: Instagram/xkateferdinand

After instantly falling for the two furry friends, Kate was desperate to bring them home.

She shared her dilemma with fans on , making a heartfelt plea for advice.

She told followers: “We have a slight issue. The whole family (bar Rio!) has fallen in love with two island kittens.

“Now I really am not a cat person, but I’m completely obsessed and want to adopt them.

“What do we do, guys?”

But while it is possible, whisking the kittens back to Dubai isn’t simple.

There are strict rules around exporting animals from the Maldives and importing them into Dubai including vaccinations, blood tests, and official permits.

And it wouldn’t come cheap, with international pet transport often costing thousands of pounds per cat.

The family have spent the week in paradise while Rio runs a kids’ football camp through Football Escapes, the company he co-owns.

Last year, Rio and Kate with their children Cree, five, and Shae, along with Rio’s 14-year-old daughter Tia from his first marriage.

NINTCHDBPICT001018314084Kate and Rio live in Dubai with their younger childrenCredit: Instagram NINTCHDBPICT001058176499Kate and her eldest stepdaughter TiaCredit: Instagram

His elder sons Tate and Lorenz remain in the UK, focused on their own footballing dreams as they follow in their dad’s footsteps.

Earlier this year, Kate revealed the family had been forced to sleep in the basement of their Dubai home after missile strikes rocked the region.

She shared on Instagram: “Thank you for all of your messages and sorry for the silence, I haven’t wanted to worry you all—I just haven’t been able to find the words. We are safe.

“The government are doing an amazing job of keeping it that way and despite my nerves I feel we are in very safe hands.

“We are hoping for a calmer evening tonight, last night was very scary.

“Although Cree and Shae loved it as they couldn’t believe we all got a sleepover in the basement.

“Thank you for all of your prayers, this whole experience is very eye-opening and I am praying for anyone affected. Lots of love to everyone.”

The family later jetted to Portugal for a break before returning to the UK for a short stay ahead of their Maldives trip.

"Moana 2" UK Premiere - ArrivalsKate and Rio slept in the basement after missiles hit DubaiCredit: Getty