Poorly kittens rescued in London after being dumped in instant noodles box
The kittens were suffering with parvovirus, a deadly disease.
The RSPCA is investigating after four poorly kittens were abandoned in a cardboard box in London.
The four kittens - two of whom were aged just two-weeks-old - were found shut inside a box used to package instant noodles.
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) Paige Havlin went out to help the kittens after a woman found them and took them home.
ARO Paige said: “The kittens were lethargic and had green discharge coming from their eyes. They were clearly far too young to be away from their mums and seriously ill.
“The kittens went to a wonderful foster carer for emergency overnight care - before being taken into our Finsbury Park Hospital the following morning.
“Sadly, despite best efforts, their condition had deteriorated overnight and vets diagnosed them with feline parvovirus; a nasty virus that causes diarrhoea and vomiting, and can be fatal.”
Found in a skip
The kittens had been found by a passerby in a box that had been left by a communal residents’ waste skip in Felmersham Close on the afternoon of 26 May.
Paige added: “The kittens were from two different litters; two were around two-weeks-old and the other two were around four-weeks-old and all were suffering from feline parvovirus - a highly contagious disease - so I’m incredibly concerned about their mums and other littermates who are also likely very poorly.”
Unfortunately, one of the older kittens - who had been named Pea by Finsbury Park staff - had to be put to sleep as she deteriorated and was incredibly unwell.
Two of the other kittens - who have been named Canon and Gunner - remain in the care of the hospital staff while the third kitten is with a fosterer.
Paige placed an appeal poster at the scene where the kittens were found but has so far had no information.
She added: “I’m keen to hear from anyone who may know where these kittens came from. Their mums and any other siblings are likely to need urgent veterinary treatment.
“Anyone with information should call our appeal line on 0300 123 8018, quoting reference 1812701.”
Paige - who also had five poorly kittens in her van that day from a separate call-out - urged feline owners to have their pets neutered to avoid unwanted litters.
She added: “We typically see an influx of kittens and more calls about abandoned cats during kitten season - at this time of year - and with the cost of living putting an extra squeeze on people’s finances, we’re braced for a tough year at a time when our rescue centres are already full-to-bursting.
“Cat owners who neuter their cats from four-months-old will help to tackle this surge in unwanted pets.
“Kittens can become pregnant themselves as early as four months which is why booking an appointment with a vet for early neutering is so important.
“The reality of caring for an unexpected litter of kittens is often costly and stressful and sees some owners cruelly dumping kittens on the roadside, in bins, or cardboard boxes - leaving the RSPCA to pick up the pieces.”