THREE kittens, who are just three-weeks-old, are looking for a home after being dumped in a cardboard box.
At just seven days old the three tiny cats, who don't yet have names, were left in Chelmsford without food or shelter and would have died within hours if an RSPCA inspector had not found them, attracted by the sound of their crying.
The young animals join another 32 cats currently being looked after by the mid-Essex branch of the RSPCA, based in Great Baddow, which staff say is "bursting at the seams" after a dramatic rise in neglected or abandoned animals.
"The number of collections we've had to make has gone up severely compared to last year," said chairman Clive Vallis.
"I think some of it is to do with the economic climate as animals are the first thing people turn out when they need to tighten their belts, but the animals suffer so much as a result, particularly in this heat.
"These three kittens can only have been left about a few hours we think or they wouldn't have survived as they need round-the-clock care. We were already quite worried at first the little black one wasn't going to make it."
Volunteer Emma Russell is one of a group of four at the branch who are taking turns caring for the litter of cats, who need hand-feeding and washing every two to three hours.
"I volunteer once a week so I'll take them home tonight, they sleep on a chair beside my bed, and I probably won't get much rest," said Emma, who will begin her training as a vet in September.
"The little black one is a bit difficult as he gets confused and tries to nuzzle off the other two, which has left their skin red and raw."
In a few weeks the kittens will be ready to find new owners, a task that will likely be much easier for them than for some of the other older cats found by the charity.
"We still have real difficulty housing black cats due to people's superstitions so a lot of those we have are black, or very close," added Clive. "But all the cats we re-home will be vaccinated neutered and spayed and we carry out a home inspection to check suitability too.
"Anybody who doesn't think they can manage their pet any more should contact us, or another rescue charity, and make provisions for the animal to be re-homed, not just left."
If you're interested in re-homing an animal, contact the mid-Essex branch on 01245 478886 or e-mail info@rspca-mides sex.org.uk.
