Two kittens abandoned in 35-degree heatwave

The RSPCA is appealing for information after two kittens were abandoned on one of the hottest days of the year in temperatures which had soared to 35 degrees in London.

The nine-week-old kittens, one male and one female, were found in Tudor Road, Barking, East London on Monday 18^th July in a cat carrier which had been dumped on the side of the road.

A member of the public spotted them and contacted the RSPCA for help. Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) Siobhan Trinnaman came to the kittens’ rescue and took them into RSCPA care.

This comes as the charity launches its Cancel Out Cruelty campaign to help keep officers on the frontline saving animals like Cleo and Clove, and to raise awareness on how to stop cruelty for good.

Siobhan said: “Sadly these two young kittens were dumped like rubbish and left out in 35-degree temperatures. They were limp and dehydrated and in desperate need of care. The kind member of the public who spotted them brought them home, gave them some water and some shade before calling us which may well have saved their lives.

“We understand that pet owners may be going through a difficult time at the moment with the cost of living crisis putting a strain on people’s finances but there is never an excuse to abandon an animal like this. Leaving them out in a heatwave is just cruel.

“This comes as the RSPCA sees a rise on animal cruelty over the summer months with 245 reports of cruelty every day. And with 21 reports of animal beatings a day – nearly one beating every hour – the charity is braced for a summer of suffering.

“With the increase in pet ownership and the cost of living crisis putting a strain on people’s finances, we fear we may see more animals being cruelly abandoned.”

Cleo and Clove were taken to the RSPCA Essex South West branch for some much-needed TLC. Although they were despondent and limp when they arrived, they started to eat and drink well and after some care from the staff at the cattery, they are now back on their paws.

The female tricolour kitten in Cleo and the black male kitten is Clove. Both are chatty and playful kittens who love playing with their toys and climbing. Once they are back to full health, they will be re-homed by the branch.