The RSPCA is investigating after two kittens were abandoned in a basket in a Kent graveyard.
The animal welfare charity was alerted to the kittens on Tuesday 14 August when a local woman found the basket dumped in the graveyard off Capel Road in Sittingbourne.
The two eight-week old kittens were collected by an RSPCA officer and taken to the Canterbury branch, where they are now being cared for.
Branch manager, Beth Hixson, said: “These little sisters were covered in fleas and very frightened when they were found dumped in the graveyard. We believe they’re around eight-weeks-old and suspect they’ve been dumped by someone who couldn’t sell them after their pet had an unplanned litter. Thankfully, the kittens are now doing well and will soon be ready to find loving new homes.”
The kittens who have been named, Spirit and Phantom, will be kept in RSPCA care until they’ve had all of their health checks and vaccinations and if no one comes forward to collect them, they’ll go up for rehoming.
Beth added: “Unfortunately, the RSPCA sees a huge influx of kittens every summer during kitten season because there are many unneutered pet cats and stray cats in England. We want to remind people of the importance of getting their pets neutered to avoid any unwanted litters.
“Sadly, we see kitten and cats being dumped all too often and this puts a huge amount of pressure on animal charities and rescue centres. This summer at the Canterbury branch we’ve been dealing with a lot of stray mum cats with kitten. In the last few months we’ve had over 30 kittens come into our care – most of which have been in poor condition.”
Anyone with information about the kittens and who is responsible for abandoning them should contact the RSPCA’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018.
