THESE adorable little kittens were abandoned at the side of the road - just a fortnight before Christmas.

The kittens — which are about four or five weeks old, and their one-year-old mother — were dumped near Tonge Old Road at about teatime on December 10, but were rescued by a passer-by at about 7pm.

Christened Jingle, Rudolph, Cracker, Holly and Ivy, the kittens were taken to Regan’s Veterinary Practice in Bury Road, Tonge Fold.

Animal charities brace themselves for a spate of abandoned pets in the weeks immediately after Christmas, as unwanted presents prove difficult to look after.

But Alison Holt, Regan’s customer services manager, said even though abandoned pets are a problem throughout the year, it is less common for them to be deserted before Christmas.

She added: “We just want to reiterate how it is simply not acceptable.

“They were brought in overnight and thankfully all of them appear to be fine.

“They have certainly been eating like horses, so all looks to be well.

“They are all really friendly and we hope we can find good homes for them all.

“We’re grateful to the person who spotted them and brought them to us.”

Despite their heart-wrenching period alone in the cold, the Christmas cats suffered no injuries and have been eating well since arriving at the vet’s.

New homes are being sought for them, although as the kittens are so young, they will not be available until the new year when vets are sure they are ready to go new surroundings.

If you are interested in housing one of the kittens or their mum, contact Regan’s on 01204 397970.