Four young cats, two believed to be pregnant, have been found abandoned in a dog crate in a park in Maidstone.

They were discovered by a member of the public walking in Penenden Heath and handed over to the RSPCA.

The black cats are thought to be around six months old. They were not microchipped, had fleas and the two females are believed to be pregnant.

The cats, who have been named Heath, Henry, Henrietta and Hayley, are now being cared for at an RSPCA centre.

RSPCA inspector Kirsten Ormerod said: “We are extremely grateful to the member of the public who kindly kept the cats safe until we were able to collect them.

“These poor cats were found in the dark. It was lucky they were found when there were.

“No matter what the reason, abandoning an animal alone and in a situation like this is never okay. There is no guarantee that an abandoned animal will be found or not become hurt or lost.

“If someone is struggling to cope, there are lots of charities who could help and we would urge you to ask for help."

This winter, the charity expects to rescue thousands of animals from neglect, cruelty and suffering.

Last winter, it received 4,650 reports of abandoned animals including 126 in Kent.

This year there have already been 26 reports of dumped and unwanted animals in the county, and 985 nationwide.

The RSPCA says increased pet ownership coupled with a recession, both brought on by the pandemic, could see more pets left out in the cold this December.

The charity is urging anyone who may have information about the cats to contact it's appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone