THE RSPCA is investigating after a distressed kitten was discovered in a charity recycling bin in the car park of a Somerset supermarket.

The six-month-old black cat was rescued from a Salvation Army clothes recycling bin outside Morrisons in Yeovil on Tuesday after people walking nearby heard it crying and followed the sound to the bin.

The RSPCA is now investigating how the cat came to be in the bin and has appealed for anyone with information to get in touch or anyone who recognises the cat to get in touch.

The RSPCA's Maggie Baker joined local people who stayed with the cat as they waited for the bin to be unlocked.

Maggie said: “It is horrible to think someone could abandon this cat and just throw this poor cat out like rubbish.

“I don’t believe she could have entered the bin on her own so it would appear as though she was dumped there by someone.

“A huge thank you must go to all the people who have help her, she was even offered a food parcel from the manager of the supermarket.

“When I arrived this morning there had been people who kindly stayed with the cat overnight and through this morning until the bin was unlocked. They are brilliant and I can't thank them enough.

“One of the people who stayed with her overnight is even going to foster the cat while we investigate further.”

The animal welfare charity is appealing for anyone who may have information on how the cat came to be in the bin to contact the inspectorate appeal line on 0300-1238018.

RSPCA cat welfare expert Alice Potter said: “Sadly we do see many kittens being abandoned at this time of year when most kittens are born.

“We strongly believe the answer to tackling kitten abandonments lies in loving cat owners neutering their cats before they can get pregnant, so avoiding unplanned pregnancies.

"We urge people to do the responsible thing as soon as possible and avoid unwanted litters.”