A family of cats, including four tiny kittens, have been dumped behind a toilet block in a Tonbridge park less than a month before Christmas.

Four five-month-old kittens and two adult cats, thought to be their parents, were abandoned at Haysden Country Park last Monday, November 30.

The six animals were left in a cardboard box to fend for themselves in chilly temperatures.

A council park warden discovered the cats - three males and three females - at about 12.50pm and took them to the RSPCA’s Leybourne Animal Centre in West Malling.

Now the RSPCA is appealing for information.

Staff chose names for the family from cartoon Rugrats, naming the dad, a large two-year-old tabby, Tommy, and the mum, a black and white one-year-old, Angelica.

The kittens are Phil, Lil, Chucky and Suzy.

Leybourne’s deputy manager, Angelina Allingham, said: “They’re all quite timid and have been hiding, but this is not surprising given that they were taken out in the cold and dumped without a second thought.

“We just can’t believe how someone could do this to a family of young cats. But, given a bit of time, we hope they’ll begin to trust again."

Some of the cats need dental work but in general they are in a good condition and in good health, Angelina said.

The centre will neuter and, where possible, vaccinate the cats before they go up for rehoming.

Anyone who might recognise these cats, or who saw anyone in the area at the time they were abandoned, can call the animal centre's appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

Anyone interested in rehoming these or other cats should call Leybourne on 0300 123 8343. To donate to the RSPCA text HELP to 78866 to give £3 (Text costs £3 + one standard network rate message).