The RSPCA is appealing for information after four tiny kittens were found abandoned in a “filthy” cardboard box - two of which later died.

The animal welfare charity was called by a man who found the furry foursome abandoned outside a cattery in Oak Road, Crays Hill, on September 27.

RSPCA animal collection officer Lucy Fackerell went to collect the kittens, thought to be only four-weeks-old.

She said: “They’d been left in a filthy cardboard box with no blanket and nothing to keep them warm. They were freezing cold and covered in their own mess.

“Staff at the cattery moved them inside to warm them up and cleaned them up before calling me.

"Other than being very cold and frightened they seemed to be okay but did have swollen bellies which I suspected to be a result of untreated worms.

“I quickly got them to one of our branches but, sadly, they deteriorated.”

The kittens were taken in by staff and volunteers at the charity’s Essex Mid, Brentwood, Chelmsford & District branch who provided them with round-the-clock care.

But, sadly, two of the kittens died overnight.

Lucy added: “The kittens all developed breathing problems and were really weak. They also had chronic diarrhoea and, tragically, two slipped away in their sleep.

“The two remaining kittens are still very poorly and it’s touch and go whether they’ll make it. We’re just keeping everything crossed for these poor little things.

“They’re so young and certainly shouldn’t have been taken away from their mum. They didn’t stand a chance on their own.

“I’m also concerned for the mum’s health and would urge her owner to get her to a vet for a check-up and to get her neutered to prevent any further unwanted kittens.”

Anyone who recognises the kittens, may know the whereabouts of the mother or has any information about who may have abandoned them should contact the RSPCA’s appeal line on 0300 1234 8018.

Anyone who finds an animal in distress or is concerned for the welfare of an animal should call the RSPCA’s 24-hour cruelty hotline on 0300 1234 999 or report online.

If you’d to offer an RSPCA cat or kitten a new home, please use the Find A Pet search. And for more information about how to care for your cat, see the RSPCA website.

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit this website.