A cat was found taped inside a food bin with no air flow at a Co-Op recycling point.

The dumped kitty was discovered by a woman who heard scratching sounds coming from the bin in Valliers Wood, Sidcup.

She was too afraid to open the bin and took it straight to a Medivet, on Halfway Street, Sidcup, on February 6.

The grey and white male cat, now named Lenny, was taken to RSPCA Ashford Green Cattery on February 21, where he was neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

Lenny will soon be looking for his happy new forever home.

The discovery of the dumped cat comes as the RSPCA is seeing increasing numbers of abandoned pets amid the cost of living crisis.

In January, a dead chihuahua was found inside a salt bin in Rochester with a pizza crust, jeans, and a dog bed.

Emma Byrne, animal welfare, community engagement and education officer at RSPCA Kent North West, said: "Thank goodness a kind-hearted member of the public discovered the cat when she did.

"The poor fella was taped in a plastic food bin, with no air flow, no food, no water and no means of escape. If he hadn’t been found when he was then this could have been a truly devastating story.

"The lady took the cat to the local vet and asked for their help. She was afraid of animals so felt unable to open the bin herself, but knew there must be something living inside.

"The vets opened the bin with some trepidation as there were no air holes and they were expecting to find a grizzly sight.

"However, thankfully they found a beautiful grey and white male cat alive inside along with a black fleece blanket. He was terrified but a very friendly, sweet cat.

"He had a flea burden and some patchy fur but was otherwise healthy.

"Medivet staff nursed him back to health at the surgery and then contacted RSPCA Kent North West when no owner came forward for him. I collected him on February 21 and brought him into our care."

Emma continued: "How anyone could leave any animal in this way is unthinkable.

"He was very cramped, couldn’t lay down and had no access to food, water or even air. I just dread to think of what could have happened to this lovely boy. Lenny loves a fuss and he gives lots of friendly head butts. He really deserves to find a happy new home.

"Money worries and the cost of living crisis are pushing even the most loving pet owners to extreme actions.

"But we cannot emphasise enough that abandoning your pet like this is not only incredibly cruel; it is issuing them with a death sentence. We urge people to contact their local RSPCA branch if they can no longer care for their animals. At Kent North West we can assist with rehoming, financial help for vet costs and even pet food temporarily."

The RSPCA has been unable to obtain CCTV footage from the scene due to unfortunate camera placement. Anyone with information about Lenny to contact the appeal line in confidence on 0300 123 8018.