AUGUSTA — Kennebec Valley Humane Society workers arrived at the shelter Thursday to find several boxes of abandoned cats and kittens sitting outside.

The boxes contained 21 felines — five adult females and 16 kittens, which are all around three weeks old.

With 21 extra animals to care for, the Augusta humane society is looking for public support. The shelter is seeking donations of money, dry and canned cat food, cat litter, and families willing to help by fostering kittens too young to be placed for adoption.

Officials said it is not known how long the animals were outside in the boxes, which appeared to be diaper boxes. The felines were immediately given food, water and medical attention at the shelter.

Melanie Martinez, director of operations, said all the cats and kittens seem to be in pretty good shape, and are very sweet.

“This is the time of year when we see more animals arriving at our shelter either surrendered by owners or abandoned, and an unexpected arrival of 21 animals puts a strain on our resources,” Martinez said in a news release. “Our mission is to provide food, shelter, medical care and a second chance to animals in need. We strive every day to fulfill our mission, but we’re looking for help as we begin our busiest season.”

Donations may be made online at www.pethavenlane.org or mailed or delivered to Kennebec Valley Humane Society at 10 Pet Haven Lane in Augusta.

Martinez said the shelter has a foster program for families willing to open their homes to animals in need of foster care because they are too young or ill to be put up for adoption.

Anyone interested in fostering animals may contact the shelter at 626-3491 or email [email protected].