Parcel delivery horror as abandoned mum cat and three kittens found taped inside cardboard box
Staff thought it was an Amazon delivery – then found four abandoned black cats inside a taped-up box
A parcel delivery turned into a heartbreaking discovery when RSPCA staff found a mum cat and her three kittens abandoned inside a taped-up cardboard box.
The four black cats – named Tricksy, Hexie, Jinksie and Spookie – were dumped outside the RSPCA Canterbury and District Branch in Kent in the early hours of October 16. A staff member arriving at the centre initially thought the box was an Amazon delivery. But a closer look revealed the terrified feline family trapped inside, with only a few air holes punched into the cardboard and no food or water.
CCTV footage reportedly captured a car pulling up outside the Island Road site at 12.50am, before two individuals left the box behind and drove away. The RSPCA is appealing for information and urges anyone who witnessed the incident or recognises those involved to call 0300 123 8018.
Thankfully, the cats are now settling into the centre's cattery and are doing well. They will be found new homes once they have recovered.
The disturbing discovery comes as the animal welfare charity marks National Black Cat Day on October 27, warning that black cats are being overlooked by potential adopters. According to the RSPCA, black cats spend an average of 29 days waiting for homes – more than three times as long as tabby cats, which wait around nine days. The charity believes superstition and concerns about photographs may play a part in why these mini panthers are often passed over.
Alice Potter, the RSPCA's cat welfare expert, said the situation was sad for animals waiting for a second chance and left rescue centres with fewer spaces to help other cats in need.
The charity is highlighting several black cats looking for loving homes, including Venom, a lively two-year-old from Shrewsbury and affectionate four-year-old Sooty near Chester.
The appeal forms part of the RSPCA's Adoptober campaign, supported by inspiring vet care, which aims to tackle the charity's rehoming crisis through adoption and fostering. The RSPCA is urging experienced, patient and caring owners to consider giving a rescued cat a fresh start. Anyone interested in adopting or fostering can visit the charity's Find a Pet website to discover animals waiting for their forever homes.