Two sick and underweight kittens have been found abandoned in a zipped-up cat carrier among fly tipped rubbish in Brent.

A concerned member of the public found the carrier on 29 August at around 9am next to bins on Maundeby Walk, Neasden Lane and called the RSPCA. The eight-week-old kittens – one male and one female – were underweight with distended abdomens and suffering from a severe flea infestation. One of the kittens is seeing a specialist vet over concerns she may be blind.

Animal Rescue Officer Ellie Barnes-Wilson, who is leading the investigation, said: “Leaving these poor defenseless animals alone – possibly overnight – trapped inside a carrier is incredibly unfair. They were in poor health and needed urgent veterinary attention. We urge anyone with information to get in touch.”

The kittens, now named Bubble and Squeak, are recovering in the care of the charity’s Finsbury Park Animal Hospital.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the RSPCA inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018, quoting reference number 01620907.

The RSPCA is highlighting this case as it urges pet owners to neuter and microchip their cats. Neutering prevents unwanted litters and often leads to healthier, happier cats.

Female cats can become pregnant from as young as just four months old, with the potential to produce up to 18 kittens per year. The RSPCA rescues more than 20,000 cats annually, with peak intake between May and September.

“However difficult things are, dumping pets like this is never the answer,” Ellie added. “We know the cost of living crisis is impacting many, and we offer help and advice to struggling pet owners.”
When an animal is in need, the quicker they get help the better.

The RSPCA recommends that if people find a small pet who has been abandoned, to take them directly to a local vet or rescue centre. Their teams can call in the expertise of RSPCA teams if there’s evidence that the animal has been neglected or abused. There’s more information on how to safely handle and transport an animal on the charity’s website.

The RSPCA also offers advice and support to pet-owners who may be struggling to look after their pets at a time of rising prices.

The dedicated cost of living crisis hub on the RSPCA website offers tips on how to save money, how to reduce vets’ bills and how to find a pet food bank.
Summer should be a season of joy for animals. Long walks on golden evenings. Zoomies on the beach. Stretching out in the garden to soak up the sun. But there’s a side to summer you don’t see. For thousands of animals, it’s a season of pain, fear and suffering, when cruelty peaks. Support the RSPCA’s Summer Cruelty Appeal at: rspca.org.uk/endcruelty