The RSPCA is appealing for information after a six-month-old kitten was found abandoned in South Leeds in a household bin yesterday (15 October 2026).
The kitten, described as a “sweet loving soul”, was discovered inside a soft cat carrier that had been placed inside a bin bag and left in a household wheelie bin, outside a property in Colenso Grove, Holbeck. She was found by a resident who had moved into a nearby property that day.
Despite efforts to locate CCTV from the surrounding area, no footage has been found so far that could help establish how the kitten came to be there or who was responsible.
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) Hannah Westen is leading the investigation. She said:
“This poor kitten was dumped in a bin like rubbish. She must have been terrified.
“She is such a sweet, loving soul, it beggars belief that someone would do such a thing.
“We are asking anyone who saw something suspicious to get in touch – even minor details could be important. If you saw someone with a cat carrier or bin bag, or saw something suspicious, please do contact us.”
The kitten is now recovering in private boarding and has been named Christine, after ARO Hannah’s mother who recently passed away.
The kitten was dehydrated and had urine scalding, suggesting she was being kept in poor condition, but is otherwise healthy.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 8018 quoting incident number 01926333.
Record numbers of cats need homes. Potential adopters can visit the RSPCA website and learn more about adopting. If you can’t adopt or foster, you can help RSPCA animals by sharing their profiles to find them perfect new families.
This post is based on a press release issued by the RSPCA
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