A grey tabby cat was found abandoned in a box sealed with adhesive tape in Frinton-on-Sea.

The female cat was discovered in a park by a member of the public on Monday, who alerted the RSPCA.

The adult grey tabby was said to be found in a cardboard box, which was sealed with tape, and had only a tea towel inside for comfort.

RSPCA inspector Adam Jones, who collected the cat, said: “We know very little about why this cat was abandoned, or who owns her.

“She is healthy but understandably very wary of people after her ordeal, which would have been very distressing. Anything could have happened to her abandoned in a box like that - she was lucky to be found when she was.”

Mr Jones said the cat was taken to a vet for checks and then to a boarding cattery while they await any information from the public.

“If no owner comes forward we will ensure she is rehomed to loving new owners in due course,” he added.

Last year the RSPCA received 5,264 complaints about abandoned cats.

The RSPCA is urging anybody with information to contact the inspectorate information line on 0300 123 8018.