An emaciated cat has died after being abandoned on a doorstep and left for dead.

The black and white female pet was found in a storage box outside a home in St Alban’s Road, Hersden, near Canterbury on September 6.

Named Beatrice, she was abnormally thin and weak, dehydrated, and her mouth was severely infected.

The animal was taken for urgent veterinary treatment, but sadly the decision was made later to put her to sleep.

RSPCA inspector Kirsten Ormerod said: “This poor cat was in a collapsed state and severely dehydrated when she was found on the doorstep by a member of the public.

“She was also suffering from severe dental disease and only had one tooth.

“She was named Beatrice by those treating her, and she underwent 48 hours of intensive treatment in a bid to save her life.

“Sadly she was in such a poor condition that wasn’t possible.

“There is no doubt this cat was neglected dreadfully - when she was examined at the vets her body condition score was rated as one out of nine, which is the lowest possible - and then callously abandoned.

“She was so weak that she wouldn’t have been able to stand to climb into the box, so she was most certainly placed there and then left at the property.”

The charity is now hoping to find the feline’s original owner.

Mrs Ormerod continued: “We don’t know how long she had been allowed to suffer and deteriorate in this way, but any responsible person should have sought vet treatment long before.

“We are appealing for anyone who may have any information about this cat’s owner to get in touch by ringing 0300 1238018 quoting 01349851.

An RSPCA spokesman added: “Anyone who is struggling to look after their pet can find lots of information on the RSPCA website.

“The charity also has dedicated cost of living support, including a telephone helpline on 0300 1230650 and an online hub, which has lots of practical tips and advice, including details of pet food bank schemes.

“The RSPCA advises anyone finding an abandoned kitten should take it immediately to a vets who can give it emergency treatment and they will report any incidents which need further investigation to the RSPCA.”