Two starving cats have been found living under the floorboards of a Margate flat four weeks after their owner died.

Neighbours in Addington Road heard meowing coming from beneath the wooden floor and contacted the RSPCA to investigate.

A trap was set and a young tortoiseshell cat, which has been named Tammy, was brought out to safety.

Builders later saw evidence of another cat in the property and RSPCA inspector Deborah Pert returned to rescue ginger cat, Noel, from the floor cavity too.

She said: “These poor cats have been through so much after their owner died and then having to try to survive on their own with no food.

“They were hiding under the floorboards and we had to set a cat trap to catch them, they were terrified and starving.

“It was lucky the builders heard them and called us. They think they must have been in there on their own for about four weeks. We were so lucky to have found them in time.

“Thankfully they are doing really well in the care of RSPCA Isle of Thanet branch and they should be up for rehoming soon - which is great news.”

Tammy weighed just 2.18kgs when she was brought in and Noel was also emaciated and only 2.82kgs, just over half the weight he should have been.

The RSPCA is now looking for homes for both cats.

The branch currently has lots of cats available for rehoming.

Mrs Pert said: “It would be lovely if we could make the start 2016 a good one for these animals by finding them new homes and loving new families.”