THREE newborn kittens nearly used up all their nine lives when they were dumped on a doorstep.
The kittens were left in a cardboard box in Kelloe, near Durham City, without water or food.
Durham City Cats Protection, which is looking after them, said they could have died if the householder, who was about to go on holiday, had not found them.
A spokeswoman said: "The kittens were very thirsty but they weren't dehydrated. They are now seven weeks old and they have doubled their weight.
"They didn't know how to eat, so they were obviously taken away from their mum straight away.''
The kittens have been named Blackberry, Blackcurrant and Blackpepper
The spokeswoman said: "They are very human-orientated and would make beautiful pets."
To offer the kittens a home, call Pauline on 0191-386 0902 or Maureen on 0191-386 8211.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article