They were found by a member of the public in Ferguson Street and handed over to police who contacted the shelter.
The Scottish SPCA said the cats were underweight and dirty but are now safe at its Ayrshire rescue centre.
Scottish SPCA assistant manager, Lynda Hourtson, stated: “The member of the public told the police they found the kittens in a bin on Ferguson Street.
All five were underweight and quite dirty but they are doing well.”
“They are around six-to-eight weeks old, so, it may be that someone’s cat has had an unwanted litter and they simply decided to abandon them in a heartless way.”
Ms Hourtson added: “Abandoning any animal is not only cruel but also an offense.”
“Thankfully the kittens are now safe and we’ll be looking for new homes for them shortly.”
Facebook: Scottish SPCA