The RSPCA is appealing for information after two kittens were found dumped behind bins in Ashington.
One of those discovered - a male tabby kitten - was so emaciated a vet struggled to attach an IV catheter into his veins. The young feline - who was found in a cat basket alongside a starving black and white female kitten with a cut to her neck - was lucky to survive his ordeal.
The distressing discovery was made in Rosalind Street, Ashington, on March 20 by a local resident. Both kittens were taken by RSPCA Inspector Rachael Hurst to Westway Vets in Newcastle for treatment.
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They are now in the care of the RSPCA’s Northumberland West branch, whose staff have named them Barney and Matilda. Now, the RSPCA has launched an investigation and is appealing for anyone with information to get in touch. The charity would especially like to speak to the owner in case there are other kittens in the litter and also to make a check on the welfare of the mother.
Rachael Hurst said: "Both kittens would have died if they hadn’t been picked up. They had both been starved and there was no weight on them at all.
“The tabby was so cold and in such a bad way that it took a few hours to get a readable temperature in the vets. He was so thin they couldn’t get the IV into his legs or stomach area and it had to be put into his neck.
“The other kitten had a cut to his neck where it looks like someone has tried to cut off a matted bit of fur and caught her skin. They were found just in time, particularly the tabby.”
Both kittens were found in the cat basket with a grey fleece blanket which has a distinctive zebra print on its top.
Rachael added: “I believe the kittens have been owned in the local area. This is an area of dense housing and someone may have seen them being left.
“They were found by someone who lives a few streets away while she was out walking her dog. There might be other kittens and the mother could also be in need of veterinary treatment, so it would be nice to check on any other animals.
“Both these kittens have survived in the care of the RSPCA. Our branch staff say they are slowly learning that they don’t need to eat everything quickly in one go as no-one is going to steal their food.”
When they have returned to full health both kittens will be rehomed.
If anyone has any information as to how the kittens were abandoned they are asked to contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018.
