Rotorua SPCA is asking for people to come forward after three trolleys full of cats were left at the shelter.

Staff arrived at the shelter on Old Taupo Road this morning to find the animals at the front door.

"This morning we arrived at the shelter to find three trolleys containing 10 adult cats and eight young kittens sitting at our front door," says a post on the shelter's Facebook page.

"They were found at about 7.45am. We are unsure how long they had been sitting there.

"All are showing signs of cat flu and distress and are now safely tucked up in warm beds.

"It would have taken three people (at least) to push these trolleys along Old Taupo Road. Were you passing at the time? Did you see anything?

"We would love to hear from anybody who has any information regarding this abandonment. We have contacted the council to view CCTV images in the area.

"Please contact us on 07 349 2955 or rotorua.info@spca.nz if you have any information."