A pregnant cat was found abandoned taped up in a box and covered in faeces in a “vile, cruel and barbaric act”.

The panting animal was discovered by a dog walker on Friday morning at Luton Rec in Chatham and “stunk to the high heavens”.

The dog walker took home the box, which had been taped shut, and called local charity Wisteria Cat Rescue who rushed to the pet’s aid.

Volunteers opened up the box to find the “petrified” 10-month-old cat inside.

The charity said: “The smell was absolutely burning to the nose. Inside was the sweetest little cat.

“Looking at the state of the box it’s believed she’s been in the box for around four-to-five days, judging by the amount of poo.

“There is no excuse whatsoever for such a vile, cruel and barbaric act.”

The cat, which has since been named Dion, had been left with no food and water.

It was predicted to be 10 months old and pregnant, guessed to be halfway through its cycle.

Charity founder Billy Devitt said: “It’s very young, it’s still a kitten.

“I was heartbroken. When you have something glaring at you like that it’s soul-destroying.”

She had also not been microchipped, which is now a legal requirement.

“If we had heat like we did last week, she would be dead, it’s as simple as that,” the charity added.

“Rescues like Wisteria are strained beyond words, the problem seems to be getting progressively worse, but we will continue to fight for cats like Dion.

“I just cannot fathom where on earth your brain would process to do such an act.”

Dion is now being cared for by the charity.