When a passerby spotted a tattered, discarded playpen on the side of a quiet road, they were struck by how out of place it looked. Curious and concerned, they stepped closer — and noticed something moving inside.
Huddled together in a small pile were three tiny kittens, frightened, filthy, and entirely alone.
The Good Samaritan didn’t hesitate. They scooped the kittens up and brought them home before contacting the RSPCA for help. Soon, Animal Rescue Officer Emmeline Myall arrived to assess the situation — and her heart sank.
“They were covered in their own urine and feces and must’ve been very scared and confused,” Myall told The Dodo. “Thankfully, they were found when they were.”
The kittens were quickly transported to the RSPCA Halifax Branch, where staff cleaned them up, offered gentle reassurance, and made sure they felt safe for the first time in who knows how long.
Sadly, abandoned litters like this one have become all too common. The months between May and September mark peak “kitten season” in the UK, a time when shelters are flooded with vulnerable cats needing care. And as economic pressures increase, more animals are being left behind.
“With the cost of living crisis putting an extra strain on people’s finances, we’re concerned we may see more cats than ever needing help,” said Alice Potter, the RSPCA’s cat welfare expert. “Our centres are already stretched to their limits.”
These three kittens — now named Rigatoni, Penne, and Macaroni — were some of the lucky ones.
Rigatoni, the only boy, is bursting with energy and constantly leaping into mischief. Macaroni, the tiniest of the trio, may be small but she’s fearless, always leading the charge on new adventures. Penne loves roughhousing with her siblings and soaking up the attention from shelter staff.
Now about 9 weeks old, all three kittens are thriving — and ready to find loving homes. They’ve come a long way from that grim roadside playpen, and the RSPCA hopes their story will inspire more people to adopt.
“We’re urging the public to help us tackle the cat overpopulation crisis,” Potter said. “Neuter your cats, support your local rescues, consider fostering or volunteering — and if you’re ready to welcome a cat into your life, please adopt, don’t shop.”
To learn more about adopting Rigatoni, Penne, or Macaroni, visit the RSPCA’s website for their profiles.
