The cat and four black kittens that were dumped on Julianne and Aaron Bainbridge's farm at Waiharara were in luck when Mrs Bainbridge found them, but that luck might soon run out.
Mrs Bainbridge said she had trapped the little family, and was caring for them, but could not do so for long.
"They are not wild cats," she said.
"They can be handled without difficulty, so whoever dumped them knew what they were doing, but unfortunately, unless I can find loving, forever homes for them, I will have no option but to have them euthanased.
"I have been in touch with the SPCA, who say they cannot take the cat and kittens at present, and we already have three cats, all of which we have taken in after they were dumped on our property, and we don't feel that we can provide for any more."
Anyone who could give the cat and/or one or more of her kittens a good home, bearing in mind that an animal was a long-term commitment, was urged to phone Mrs Bainbridge on (09) 406-7088.
"I would love to save as many little lives as possible," she said.