Luna the moggy was spotted by a motorist on Saturday on the A701 near the sign for the Eden Music Festival.
The Scottish SPCA was called and she has been taken to their animal rescue and rehoming centre in Hamilton. A microchip was discovered on the cat but unfortunately staff have been unable to trace her owner.
Inspector Geraldine Laurie said: “Luna was left at the side of the road in a cat carrier which had a blanket and some toys inside.
“The door had come off the carrier and she could easily have run on to the road and been killed by an oncoming vehicle.
“We contacted the person who the microchip was registered to but they advised they rehomed Luna in 2008 and they didn’t have contact details for her new owner.”
She added: “Luna is a beautiful 12-year-old girl in good condition and I just don’t understand why someone would abandon her like this.
“We will look after her until we can find her a loving new home.”
Abandoning an animal is an offence under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006. Anyone found guilty of doing so can expect to be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.
The charity is appealing for information and can be contacted on 03000 999 999.
Photo: SSPCA
