TWO injured kittens were rescued within four miles of each other and it is feared they could have been harmed deliberately.

The animals are so similar it is believed they were from the same litter – and the RSPCA launched an investigation into what happened to them.

One of the kittens was found in a fenn trap at Castleton and was rushed to the Beck Veterinary Group in Whitby.

The distinctive-looking grey and ginger kitten was found to have serious nerve and vascular damage to one of her legs and the wound was covered in maggots which suggested it had occurred several days before.

The other kitten was found three days earlier four miles aware in Lealholm with symptoms of suspected poisoning and handed in to the same vets who became suspicious.

RSPCA Inspector Claire Little said: “The kittens are only around six to eight-weeks-old and are both an extremely unusual colour. They’re practically identical.

“When we introduced them to each other they were immediately familiar so we suspect they’re from the same litter.

“One of the kittens will need her leg amputated due to the injuries caused by the trap. The second kitten has been monitored and is, thankfully, doing well.”

Inspector Little is now investigating what happened to the kittens who are too young to be away from their mother. The kittens will remain with the vets and are receiving ongoing treatment.

“This situation is very suspicious and my greatest fear is that these kittens have been harmed intentionally,” she said.

“Unfortunately, we do see a lot of kittens abandoned this time of year as we’re in the midst of kitten season. This is why we urge cat owners to get their pets neutered to avoid unwanted litters.

“I really hope that these two cats have ended up in veterinary care accidentally and that someone hasn’t tried to hurt them deliberately in an attempt to get rid of them.

“If this was an accident then I’d be seriously concerned about any other fenn traps that may have been set in the area and other pets and wild animals that could become injured.”

  • Anyone who recognises the cats should contact the RSPCA on 0300-123-8018. To help with veterinary costs for the kittens contact the clinic directly