A cat and her three kittens have received urgent help after being found by a jogger, abandoned in a carrier on the edge of a park in Crewe.

The animals were discovered on Friday 17 May at Queens Park Drive, by a woman who was out jogging and heard meowing noises coming from a bush. 

When she went to investigate she found the well-hidden carrier with four tabby and white cats inside - a mum and her three babies aged between eight and ten weeks old. 

Thanks to the member of the public who took them to a local veterinary practice, the cats received help as quickly as possible.

The cats were discovered on Friday 17 May at Queens Park Drive, by a woman who was out jogging and heard meowing noises coming from a bush (Ryan Parker).

All four were treated for fleas, and one had ear mites, but they were otherwise said to be in reasonable condition.

They are now being cared for at a private boarding establishment on behalf of the RSPCA - which funded their veterinary treatment - until a space becomes available at one of the charity's rehoming facilities.

The mother cat has been called Lucky and the kittens, two boys and a girl have been named Oakley, Klover and Frankie. All are said to be doing well. 

RSPCA Inspector Leanne Cooper, who collected them, said: "The carrier was very clean inside so we don't think they'd been in it for very long.

"But we have been told it had been well hidden, so it would appear someone has gone out of their way to try and conceal these cats. 

"The kittens were also familiar with using a litter tray, so they were clearly someone's pets in the past.

All four cats were treated for fleas, and one had ear mites, but they were otherwise said to be in reasonable condition (RSPCA).

"What a bewildering and frightening experience it must have been for them, being uprooted from their home and then left in a strange and noisy environment.

"They could have been there for many hours, and anything could have happened in the meantime, so we're extremely grateful they were heard and helped so quickly by the kind person who found them. 

"It is never right to leave animals in vulnerable situations like this and people who are struggling with their pets should always seek help and advice first." 

Sadly, unexpected litters of kittens often end up in rescue after being dumped or given up, with more than 7,500 abandoned felines reported to the RSPCA last year. 

Since 2021, the charity has received 143,961 reports about abandoned cats, with half of these being reported during kitten season from April to late autumn when most babies tend to be born.

Cat Welfare Expert at the RSPCA, Alice Potter, 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 are concerned we may see more cats than ever in need of help at a time when our centres are already at full capacity.

Four tabby and white cats were found inside the carrier, with a mum and her three babies aged between eight and ten weeks old (RSPCA).

"We would again urge owners to take the responsible course of action and speak to their vet about getting their cat neutered from four months old to prevent them from having unexpected and unwanted litters of kittens. 

"We know how adorable they look when they are little but the reality is they require a lot of time, care and money which some people may struggle to provide, and as a result they often end up being abandoned or given up."

The cats were found on the same side of the road as a nearby Morrisons Daily garage, with the RSPCA appealing to anyone who recognises the cats or has information, CCTV or dashcam footage, to get in touch on 0300 123 8018, quoting reference number: 01268425.

READ MORE: Growing cake shop chain set to open on busy road in Crewe.

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Crewe Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.

Subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter email HERE - just click the 'SIGN UP' button.

Please consider following Crewe Nub News on Facebook or Twitter.