TWO almost identical kittens are being treated by the RSPCA after one was caught in a trap and the other was poisoned.

The cats were found four miles apart, and investigators said they were contacted by a member of the public on Wednesday, July 25, who found one of the kittens caught in a fenn trap in Castleton.

Vets found it had "serious nerve and vascular damage to one of her legs and the wound was covered in maggots which suggested it had occurred possible several days before".

Another kitten was found on Sunday, July 22, four miles away in Lealholm, with symptoms of suspected poisoning and handed in to the same vets who became suspicious.

Inspector Claire Little said: "The kittens are only around six to eight-weeks-old and are both an extremely unusual colour. They’re practically identical. When we introduced them to each other they were immediately familiar so we suspect they’re from the same litter.

"One of the kittens will need her leg amputated due to the injuries caused by the trap. The second kitten has been monitored and is, thankfully, doing well. This situation is very suspicious and my greatest fear is that these kittens have been harmed intentionally."

Anyone who recognises the cats should contact the RSPCA on 0300 1238018.