Two flea-ridden kittens have died just a few hours after being found at the side of a road in a shoebox.

Cats Protection Swale issued a sad warning to owners about flea anaemia following their deaths.

The kittens, approximately two to three weeks old, were picked up by a member of the public on Monday evening.

They were then taken to Newnham Court Veterinary Hospital in Maidstone to be treated, but sadly staff couldn’t save them.

A message was posted on the charity’s Facebook page, saying that they “hope it doesn’t happen again”.

It said: “They were very cold and not moving much, but worse was to come as we noticed that both were covered in fleas.

“Fleas on kittens can be deadly –the fleas literally suck the blood and life out of them and the kitten can do nothing about it.

‘They were very cold and not moving much...’

“It’s up to us as humans to get suitable treatment before it’s too late and that treatment is a flea product from the vet.

“Buying one over the counter from your local shop will not treat the parasites successfully, it must be from the vets. It’s simple!”

The loss of blood can lead to weakness, fatigue, lethargy, dehydration, and a gradual fading of health that can ultimately prove fatal.

Cats Protection also recommends not buying cats or kittens from “backstreet sellers”.

They advise getting a rescue, as they have had a full health check, as well as all the necessary vaccinations and treatments.

“Flea anaemia is real and happens fast, but it’s so easily treatable – any vet can help,” the charity went on to say.

“With the two kittens confirmed as emergencies, we rushed them down to our emergency vet who did everything they could to save these little ones, but because of the fleas and the lack of warmth, unfortunately both died within hours.”

“Such sad news, especially as it was all so preventable.

“RIP to the two little diddies. We did our best for you, sorry it was not enough.”

‘We did our best for you, sorry it was not enough.’

Cats Protection Swale would not disclose where the kittens were originally found.

The charity says cases like this one “happen all too frequently”.

As a result, they are asking for donations to allow them to continue to save animals in the area. You can do so by clicking here.

They also appealing for volunteers to offer their time at upcoming events and to foster new rescues.