RSPCA inspectors have launched an urgent appeal for information after cats were dumped in boxes in Cowling on two successive Fridays.

Both cats are black and each was found in a cardboard box taped shut with distinctive orange and white tape with airholes in the side, the first on Friday, January 9, and the second a week later.

The second box had writing on it, but this was indecipherable as the box had become soaked in the snow. A black bin liner containing cat beds and bowls was left with each dumped cat.

RSPCA inspector Natalie Taylor said: "Both cats appear to be healthy and friendly so we are not sure why the owner or owners have given them up.

"We would like to speak to the people concerned to at least find out some information about the cats. We don't even know their names. And we want to offer help if there are any more animals that they can no longer care for."

Insp Taylor added that with today's "throwaway society", some people thought it was okay to dispose of unwanted animals by dumping them.

She said: "We need to send the message that this is unacceptable. The amount of animals that have been abandoned rises every year and the RSPCA strongly urges people to neuter their pets to stop any unwanted litters or young animals."

Anyone with information about the abandoned cats should contact the RSPCA national control centre on 0300 1234 999 and leave a message for Inspector Natalie Taylor 13194, quoting the incident number 1281/09/01/15.