There was a lucky escape for six cats after they were discovered by chance dumped in a wheelie bin near Wicken Fen.

The moggies, aged between two and five-years-old, were found by walkers near a the nature reserve after their pet dog began barking and scratching at the discarded bin.

Alan Maskell, centre manager at the Blue Cross rehoming centre in Cambridge, said: “Luckily some walkers came across the bin and were alerted to it by their dog. When they opened the lid they found six cats staring up at them – they were completely shocked.”

The cats were immediately taken to the Cambridge rehoming centre, where they were thoroughly checked by vets and given food.

Alan added: “It’s a dreadful case – the poor cats must have been terrified. Whoever did this must have intentionally dumped the bin as it was in the middle of nowhere.

“The cats were in good condition, some are neutered and they are all very friendly considering what they’ve been through, so they must have been cared for at some point.

“The cats would have died if they weren’t found – they are very lucky to be alive and we will do our best to find them new families.”

The six cats are now named Tamara, Meenie, Cleopatra, Holly, Cinders and Peter and are looking for new homes, either in pairs or on their own.

If you can give one of these cats a new start please contact our Cambridge centre on 0300 790 9903 or visit their rehoming pages.