Two cats and a kitten abandoned outside RSPCA Lonsdale shelter in freezing cold

A nine-week-old kitten and two other cats have been found left in the freezing cold without food or shelter outside an RSPCA shelter.

Two cats and a kitten could have frozen to death after they were abandoned outside an RSPCA shelter overnight on Friday, an animal care manager said.

The two-year-old cats and nine-week-old kitten were dumped at the Lonsdale shelter where manager Stuart Timmins spotted them while he was leaving late at night.

“Something caught my eye as I drove past the main gate, so I turned back to check,” Mr Timmins said.

“I found two young cats and a kitten in a filthy carrier that had no cover over it, and no blanket, food or water inside,” he said.

Cats left outside the RSPCA's Lonsdale shelter at night without food, water or bedding. Picture: RSPCA

“It’s just pure luck that I happened to be working late and noticed that carrier in the dark.”

The temperature at the time Mr Timmins found the animals was 10C and dropping.

The RSPCA says the cats could have frozen to death. Picture: RSPCA

The felines had been left in filthy conditions. Picture: RSPCA

All the animals were shaken by the ordeal and would not eat at first but showed no signs of aggressive behaviour.

One of the cats is missing an eye.

RSPCA South Australia urges people with animals they can no longer care for to either rehome them or surrender them to a reputable organisation during opening hours.

Abandoning an animal is an offence and anyone found guilty can face up to two years’ imprisonment or a $20,000 fine.