A pair of kittens found abandoned in a box are among the latest victims of a hidden pet welfare crisis.
Gwen and MJ, both six months old, are currently being cared for at the Blue Cross rehoming centre in Suffolk after being found together and brought to the centre in Wherstead.
They are just two of many kittens in need of homes.
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Charles White, centre manager at Blue Cross Suffolk, said: "I have worked in pet rescue for many years and I have never seen kittens coming in for help on a scale like this.
"Almost every week we are being brought boxes and carrier bags filled with kittens that have been discovered by members of the public.
"Some are incredibly young and need round the clock care to give them the best chance of survival.
"This is in addition to the many unplanned and unwanted litters being brought in as well as pregnant cats."
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The centre is also caring for five-month-old Parker, another stray kitten who was found as a stray.
Over the first half of this year, Blue Cross Suffolk has taken in 33 kittens—already surpassing the total for all of 2023, when 32 kittens were admitted.
The charity warns that the situation could worsen over the summer, which is peak breeding season for cats.
Staff believe the rise in abandoned and unwanted kittens is linked to owners not neutering their pets, often due to the cost of living crisis and concerns about veterinary fees.
There are also fears that some people are breeding kittens to sell, only to abandon them when they are unable to find buyers.
The centre is urgently appealing to the public to consider rehoming a pet and to help spread awareness about the importance of neutering.
More information about adopting a pet from Blue Cross can be found at bluecross.org.uk.
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