THESE gorgeous little fellows were rescued after being dumped in a box outside a post office.

Chris Eaton, sub-postmaster at Wakes Colne Post Office and Shop, was surprised to find them in a computer console box.

He spotted the box outside the branch at 4am with the morning papers, but initially thought it was a delivery.

When he checked with staff at 8am and found it was not, they opened it up to find four kittens inside.

Mr Eaton said: “It was terrible.

“But they were all right. Whoever did it put them in the right place.”

The RSPCA Danaher Animal Home, in Wethersfield, is caring for the animals.

Supervisor Deborah Satchell said: “The poor little mites were a bit shaken and hungry when they got here, but otherwise are unharmed.”

The shelter has seen a surge in abandoned kittens and currently has 28, plus 17 adult cats.

RSPCA shelters across the country have reported similar increases in abandoned felines, particularly as this time of year is the peak birthing season.

Ms Satchell said: “Kittens and younger cats are more work.

“They need worming, flea treatment and extra vaccinations, which all cost money.

“Kitten food is also more expensive, and they eat more than adult cats.

“In terms of workload, younger cats are messier and take longer to clean out, only because they usually come in as litters, and these range from two to six in one pen, depending on age, sex etc.”

Anyone wishing to rehome a young cat or kitten from the RSPCA will pay an adoption fee, which includes neutering, microchipping, a full veterinary check, worming and flea treatment, as well as any necessary vaccinations.

To adopt a cat, call the Danaher home on 01371 851201.