A "terrified" cat has been found abandoned in a pet carrier without food or water.

A member of the public discovered the tabby on Monday (May 29) as she was walking her dogs down Kirkdale Road, Harpenden.

Without any identification, the lady took the young feline home with her and cared for it until the RSPCA could attend.

With only a blanket in the carrier, the situation has been described as "a death sentence" for the animal.

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Stephen Reeves, the RSPCA's acting chief inspector, said: "Thank goodness a kind hearted member of the public discovered the cat when she did.

"The poor girl had been shut inside a carrier and just dumped at the bottom of a quiet residential street.

"The cat had obviously had an owner as she was healthy and appeared well looked after.

Herts Advertiser: The cat was left with a blanket, but no food or water.The cat was left with a blanket, but no food or water. (Image: Courtesy of the RSPCA)

"She was very sweet, but clearly frightened and confused by what was going on. Unfortunately she wasn’t microchipped so we have been unable to trace an owner. 

"We are very grateful to the member of public who looked after her until we were able to arrive.

                                                                                            

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"The cat was taken to RSPCA Southridge Animal Centre where she received veterinary treatment and lots of love and care."

The RSPCA have since launched an appeal for information, to discover who had abandoned the cat.

Mr Reeves continued: “Although it’s great that she is doing well now, it is awful that she was dumped like that in the first place, as anything could have happened to her.

Herts Advertiser: The RSPCA has now launched an appeal for information.The RSPCA has now launched an appeal for information. (Image: Courtesy of the RSPCA)

"We are keen to find out more information about how and why she was abandoned and are asking anyone who knows anything to get in touch with us.

"There was no CCTV in the area but if local residents have ring doorbells, we urge them to check their footage and let us know if they find anything."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the RSPCA's appeals line on 0300 123 8018, quoting reference 0108236.