Eight kittens were left dumped on the Phoenix Trail in Thame.
Indya Clayton of the Oxford Mail reports that the tiny black and white kittens thought to be around three-weeks old, were abandoned in a blue and grey pet-pen.
Luckily, a kind passer-by spotted them and dialled for help from animal-welfare charity RSPCA.
The team rescued them on October 16 and they are now getting lots of cuddles from foster carers.
However, inspectors are pleading for information about those responsible for "leaving them in such a way".
RSPCA inspector Andy Eddy said: “Thanks to the help and kindness of the passing person who found them, they were rescued and taken into RSPCA care where they are now getting the care and attention they need with a foster carer from the RSPCA Oxfordshire branch.
“We would really like to hear from anyone who has information about how these kittens were abandoned and who left them in such a way. Anyone with information can contact us on 0300 123 8018.”
In Oxfordshire, 84 cats were rehomed in 2020 and the charity say there has been a huge surge in the number of searches for cats to rehome on the charity's FindAPet website following the pandemic.
Centres and branches are also caring for more cats than any pet, with nearly 3,000 moggies coming into the RSPCA’s care from the start of the year (January 1- August 31) across the UK.
Sam Gaines, head of the RSPCA’s companion animals team, said: "The lockdown has really shone a light on the close bonds we have with our pets and for many people, their pets have become a real source of comfort during these challenging times.
“We’ve seen a huge surge in pet ownership during the past year or so and whilst it’s positive that so many people want to take on a pet we are keen to highlight the importance of doing your research to ensure you’ve got the time, patience and money to care for that animal for the rest of their life.
“Our centres and branches are seeing lots of cats coming into their care at the moment. This could be due to the end of the kitten season when most cats are born or more worryingly, it could be as a result of people buying cats on impulse earlier in the year who are now struggling to cope with them."
