Nottingham: Cat and four kittens abandoned in car park

The RSPCA said the mother to the kittens was "still nervous"

A cat and her four kittens found in a cat carrier were abandoned in a Nottingham car park.

The felines were discovered in the car park of the Tesco in Ilkeston Road on 1 April.

A member of the public took them home to keep them safe before they were collected by the RSPCA and treated by a vet.

The RSPCA has issued an appeal for more information about the kittens and their mum.

She had a high temperature and was not producing milk, while the kittens, thought to be about five weeks old, needed hand-feeding, the RSPCA said.

The family's treatment was funded by the RSPCA Nottingham and Notts Branch, and they were transferred to the RSPCA Radcliffe Animal Centre after a few days with the vets.

The new mum has been named Charity and her kittens Archie, Alfie, Mia and Maddy

A spokesperson for the charity said the five cats were "now doing well", with the kittens described as "active and playful".

The centre will continue to rehabilitate them all, and the kittens will be ready to be rehomed in "a few weeks time", the spokesperson added.

Inspector Keith Ellis, who is investigating the abandonment, said: "We are grateful to the member of the public who found these poor kittens and their mum and took them to a place of safety.

"It's really sad to think someone just abandoned them in this way. We understand the financial difficulties some people are experiencing right now; however, abandoning your pet is never the answer.

"There is help and support available, and - as we all strive to create a better world for every animal - we would urge people to contact their vets, local rescues and animal welfare charities.

"Anyone who has information about the mum and her kittens is asked to call the RSPCA's appeals line on 0300 123 8018."