A restaurant has apologised after a photograph of kittens in a cage outside its premises caused anger on social media.
The Mad Turk in Wisbech responded after the image was shared on Facebook, prompting animal welfare worries.
A spokesman for the company said: "We are heavily sorry the kittens had caused concern.
"Our intention had never been to harm or distress anyone.
"They had been kept in a secure cage temporarily for their own safety while people were to view them.
"Many seagulls do surround us, therefore the cage was necessary for their safety, considering we had concerns of them being attacked."
He said the kittens belonged to someone connected to the restaurant and that they had agreed to help rehome them by temporarily keeping them nearby.
The restaurant acknowledged that there were "better ways" to rehome the kittens and said it had taken feedback for future circumstances.
The image was described as "disgusting" and concerns were raised about the welfare of the animals.
Three of the kittens have been taken in, but it is believed that there were a total of five.
The RSPCA has been contacted for comment.
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