Week-old kittens abandoned in taped up box

Bramble and Bracken, along with a third kitten, were found by a dog walker

Three one-week-old kittens, one of which later died, were found in a sealed cardboard box in a wooded area in Rochdale.

The abandoned animals were found by a member of the public who was walking their dog in Conisbrough in May, the RSPCA said.

They were so young they still had their eyes closed, the charity revealed.

The RSPCA has launched a cost of living hub for anyone looking for pet advice during challenging economic times.

The animals were taken to a vet in Rochdale and the RSPCA was contacted to help.

Animal rescue officer Alex Ashton collected the three kittens from the vets and took them to RSPCA Greater Manchester Animal Hospital.

'Reach out for help'

The surviving pair - named Bramble and Bracken - are being helped to health by Wirral Animal Centre manager Kay Hawthorn.

Ms Hawthorn said: “They were far too young to be away from their mum and sadly one of them died as a result, despite our best efforts to help.

"I’ve been hand-rearing them round-the-clock and I’m so pleased that Bramble and Bracken are doing really well now.

"They are feeding well and beginning to toddle around and play which is lovely to see."

The charity said it often sees "an influx" of cats and kittens from May to September and urged "anyone struggling to please reach out for help".

“Sadly, we see many incidents of abandoned kittens largely due to cats having unexpected and unplanned litters which then prove to be too much time, effort and money, and sadly end up being abandoned," Ms Hawthorn said.

"We’d urge everyone to please neuter your cats to avoid unexpected litters of kittens.”