Four kittens have been rescued after they were found abandoned in boxes at Milton Creek Country Park.

The forlorn felines were found by people walking in the Sittingbourne park last month and taken to a vet by Swale Cats Protection volunteers.

It is thought they were two pairs, possibly from the same household, but from different litters. They all had serious cases of cat flu, symptoms of which can include running eyes and noses and being lethargic. One also had a ruptured eye which may have to be removed.

A fifth kitten could not be saved because it was so poorly.

The remaining group of two boys and two girls, which have been named Rolo, Lolly, Roscoe and Lulu, have been making a steady recovery in the care of a member of the charity in Iwade.

The charity relies on donations to pay for vet bills and is appealing for funds to cover some of the costs of the care the kittens have received.

Sally-Anne Heathfield, fundraising team leader and member of Swale Cats Protection’s welfare team, pictured above, said: “They were brought to one of our welfare team after they were found in two batches at Milton Creek park.

“They were found in different locations at different times on the same day. All four had cat flu, fleas, ear mites and worms.

“We don’t know what the final amount is going to be yet as they are still having treatment and they will need to be neutered and have vaccinations.”

She said there were a variety of ways people could help, including donating via the charity’s website, its Facebook page or by taking part in its weekly raffle.

It will have a stall at Art in the Park at the Milton park on Saturday, August 11, when donations can be made. There is also a wishlist of things for cats on its website.

Sally-Anne advised people to take care if purchasing a pet: “Before buying a kitten people should make sure they see it with its mum and that it’s had the necessary jabs and medication,” she said. “Adopt don’t shop.”

It is hoped the kittens will all be rehomed. For more, visit the Cats Protection site for Swale.