Two cats abandoned in a taped up cardboard box would have died “a slow and painful death” had they not been spotted by members of the public.

The black and white pair were found in a lay-by near Waresley Park Garden Centre on Thursday (June 12).

They were taken to Wood Green, The Animals Charity in Godmanchester and were found to be extremely hot, lethargic and scared.

The cats, who have been christened Fudge and Candy by staff, will be cared for until new homes can be found.

Another cat was taken to the charity’s London centre with sores after being found at a bus stop on Saturday, June 7.

Wood Green’s head of animal welfare, Linda Cantle, said: “With temperatures reaching in excess of 23 deg C this week, I am saddened to say that if it wasn’t for the caring individuals who brought these cats into our Wood Green centres, these beautiful cats could have died a slow and painful death.

“Abandoning an animal like this is extremely irresponsible and causes considerable unnecessary suffering. Anyone needing to give up a pet should contact their local rescue centre.”