The RSPCA is appealing for information after a mother cat and her young kitten were found abandoned in a cardboard box.
A second kitten was also found dead inside the box, which had been dumped near to garages in Hemingway Road, Witham.
The RSPCA says the kitten had likely been dead for a couple of days before it was found by a member of the public on Monday, February 3.
The surviving kitten and its mother were taken off to a vet to be checked over.
The young kitten is around seven-weeks-old and has been named Marmite, while her mum is around 18-months-old and has been named Lotus by the RSPCA staff now caring for her.
Animal Collection Officer (ACO) Anna Glozier collected the cats after a call to the charity's helpline on Friday, February 7, and took them to RSPCA Danaher Animal Home in Essex where they are currently receiving some much-needed care and attention.
She said: "These cats had been abandoned in a box by some garages and left to fend for themselves. We understand that people’s circumstances can change which may mean they can no longer care for their pets but there is never an excuse to abandon an animal like this.
"There are always other options open to people who can no longer cope. Abandoning pets like this leaves them incredibly vulnerable, and in this instance, sadly, one of the kittens didn’t make it.
"I’d like to ask anyone with information about how these cats came to be abandoned, or anyone who recognises these cats, to please contact us on the inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018."
To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care, call 0300 123 8181.
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