The RSPCA is appealing for information after two young kittens suffering from cat flu were dumped in a box in Rugby. The animal welfare charity was contacted on Wednesday morning (March 29) by a member of the public who heard the cats meowing for help from inside a cold box abandoned in Houlton Way.

RSPCA animal rescue officer Jack Curran rushed to the scene to collect the kittens and was disturbed by the poor condition they were in. "These kittens, who we believe are around four weeks old, are not very well at all," he said.

"They have cat flu which has made them quite poorly. They were so cold when they were discovered, it’s so sad to think how long they were there for and what would have happened to them if they hadn’t been found.

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"Such young kittens are so vulnerable to predators and it is no wonder they were so nervous. They have been seen by a vet who was very concerned about what happened to them as it is clear that they suffered.

"For now they are being treated with anti-inflammatories, antibiotics and eye drops - and we hope that they will make a recovery soon. They’re currently in the care of one of our branches where they’re getting lots of TLC."

The RSPCA is now urging anyone with information to get in touch. "Somebody must know who owned these kittens," Mr Curran added.

This poorly kitten was one of two found inside a box dumped in Rugby
This poorly kitten was one of two found inside a box dumped in Rugby

"If so, please call our appeals line on 0300 123 8018 so we can look into it further." RSPCA officers are responding to an increasing number of abandoned pets as the cost of living crisis continues to bite, but they warned that is never the answer.

"It is never acceptable to abandon an animal, even if you think you are doing it with good intentions because you can’t afford veterinary fees. It is a cruel way to treat an animal," Mr Curran said.

"If you have a pet who needs veterinary care, there is financial help out there - the last thing you should do is dump them." Last month, the RSPCA received 1,324 reports of abandoned animals - up 8% from February 2022.

The cost of living crisis is the single biggest challenge for animal welfare right now. People worried about the financial costs of their pets can find information at the RSPCA’s cost of living hub or by calling the dedicated cost of living call line on 0300 123 0650.

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