'Frightened' and 'unwanted' kittens dumped in woods as RSPCA issues alert

Three tiny kittens were found dumped in woods, prompting an RSPCA alert over 'kitten season'. The animal charity said sadly, unexpected litters of kittens often end up being abandoned or given up and coming into rescue centres at this time of year.

The three kittens were found inside a cat carrier, but are now safe in the care of the RSPCA. They have been named Cheerio, Midnight and Houdini. As an investigation into their discovery in Oldham earlier this month continues, the charity is urging owners to neuter their cats this kitten season.

The RSPCA said the kittens were found dumped in a cat carrier in a black bag in a wooded area near Cecil Street, Royton, on Thursday May 2, at around 8.35am. They were luckily found by a passer-by and are now in the care of the RSPCA Southport, Ormskirk & District Branch.

READ MORE: Clarendon Leisure Centre fire LIVE as firefighters tackle huge blaze in Salford - updates

RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer, Alison Hasler, said: "We'd very much like to thank the member of the public who found these kittens and took them to the vets.

"They must have been so frightened being left on their own. The kittens, who are in perfect health, are around about three months old and are now in the care of the RSPCA.

"The tabby has been called Cheerio and he is quite shy, the black cat has been named Midnight and the black and white kitten has been called Houdini. He has a lovely little personality as he is very playful. They were all bright and active. If anyone can help with our enquiries in regards to these kittens please contact us on 0300 123 8018 quoting 01258603."

An RSPCA spokesman said: "As kitten season arrives and to tackle the cat overpopulation crisis, the RSPCA urges cat owners to speak to their vets about neutering as soon as possible and to keep any unneutered cats indoors with plenty to entertain them until they can be spayed.

"Sadly, unexpected litters of kittens often end up abandoned or given up and coming into rescue centres." There were more than 7,500 cats reported abandoned last year. The charity has also revealed it received 143,961 reports about cats to its cruelty line since 2021 and half of those were received during kitten season alone.

Alice Potter, cat welfare expert at the RSPCA, said: “Kitten season is typically the time of year when most kittens are born and as a charity we see an influx of cats coming into our care as a result. With the cost of living crisis putting an extra strain on people’s finances we’re concerned that we may see more cats than ever in need of help at a time when our centres are already full-to-bursting.

“We’d urge owners to please neuter your cats from four months old to prevent them from having unexpected and unwanted litters of kittens. We know kittens may look cute but the reality is that they require a lot of care, time, and money, which many people may struggle to provide and sadly means they are often abandoned or given up.”

Last year, amid the cost of living crisis, the RSPCA said it received 20,999 calls about an abandoned animal - more than in 2022, 2021 and 2020.

Alison added: “We understand that the cost of living crisis has had an impact on people’s finances and some people may be struggling to care for their pets. Reports about animals being abandoned and dumped are rising, and we're seeing more animals coming into our care.

"But in the tough financial climate, we're doing everything we can to keep pets in loving homes, and support owners. We’ve committed £1.5million of extra funding to crisis measures; launched a Cost of Living Hub and a dedicated telephone helpline, while our pet food bank partnerships are going from strength to strength, having given out 1.5million pet meals last year."