Six kittens were saved after being abandoned in a sealed cardboard box next to some bins.
The black and white creatures are only eight weeks old and were dumped alongside rubbish at Ditchling Court, Ditchling Road, Brighton.
Their container was taped-up with holes punched into it.
The RSPCA was called and the four females and one male were taken to a vet who found them to be healthy.
RSPCA inspector Jodie Moss said: "It is an offence to dump animals like this. It is lucky they were found or they could have died. We would like to hear from anyone who knows who may have dumped them."
The kittens are now at the RSPCA Patcham animal centre and are looking for new homes.
Call 0870 5555 999 for more information.
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