RSPCA plea for pet owners to seek help before abandoning animals as two, unwanted cats have been found at a subway near Worcester.
The cats, named Danny and Ambrose, are thought to be aged between two and five years old.
A spokesperson from the RSPCA said: "The Holdings Animal Rehoming and Rescue Centre in Kempsey, Worcestershire, is also caring for the two cats who were cruelly left in a pet carrier in an underpass in the county on Tuesday, April 12.
They have understandably been left traumatised by their ordeal, and staff and volunteers who are working hard to build up the pair's confidence and trust in humans."
Claire Wood, from the RSPCA’s Worcester and Mid Worcestershire branch which runs the centre, said: “Both cats were thankfully brought into our care but they’re clearly confused and bewildered by what has happened and who can blame them?
“Danny has already accepted some tentative head strokes and our job now is to change their perception of humans and find them new homes where they will experience love, kindness and security.”
The centre declined to reveal which underpass the cats were found in.
The RSPCA has seen a 29 per cent increase in abandonments over winter and is braced for one of the toughest summers it’s ever faced.
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The charity is concerned that more animals will be relinquished, or even abandoned, in the face of rising costs, coupled with more people heading back to work following lockdown and owners struggling to cope with behavioural challenges and difficulties with pets bought during the pandemic.
The RSPCA believes there is a common misunderstanding about the true cost of pet ownership and that this is one of the main reasons that pets end up being abandoned.
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They urge anyone considering taking on a pet to do their research and consider rescuing instead of buying.
They said: "For those who find themselves struggling, there are many reputable animal welfare charities who can offer help and advice and we encourage anybody in a difficult situation to seek support.
"Information is also available on the RSPCA’s website."
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