The RSPCA is appealing for information about how an elderly cat was left for dead on a doorstep in Kent.
The black and white female cat was found inside a storage box at a private address in St. Alban’s Road in Hersden near Canterbury on the morning of September 6. She was emaciated, dehydrated and her mouth was severely infected. She was taken for urgent veterinary treatment, but sadly the decision was made later to put her to sleep to end her suffering.
It seems likely the cat, who was not microchipped, was owned and was left inside the plastic box as she would have been too weak to have climbed into it.
RSPCA Inspector Kirsten Ormerod said: “This poor cat was in a collapsed state and severely dehydrated when she was found on the doorstep by a member of the public.
“She was also suffering with severe dental disease and only had one tooth. She was named Beatrice by those treating her, and she underwent 48 hours of intensive treatment in a bid to save her life. Sadly she was in such a poor condition that wasn’t possible.
“There is no doubt this cat was neglected dreadfully – when she was examined at the vets her body condition score was rated as one out of nine, which is the lowest possible – and then callously abandoned.
“She was so weak that she wouldn’t have been able to stand to climb into the box, so she was most certainly placed there and then left at the property.
“We don’t know how long she had been allowed to suffer and deteriorate in this way, but any responsible owner should have sought vet treatment long before.
“We are appealing for anyone who may have any information about this cat’s owner to get in touch by ringing the RSPCA appeals line number on 0300 1238018 quoting incident number 01349851.”
Anyone who is struggling to look after their pet can find lots of information on the RSPCA website. The animal charity also has dedicated cost of living support, including a telephone helpline on 0300 1230650 and an online hub, which has lots of practical tips and advice, including details of pet food bank schemes.
The RSPCA advises anyone finding an abandoned kitten should take it immediately to a vets who can give it emergency treatment and they will report any incidents which need further investigation to the RSPCA.
The RSPCA receives more reports of cruelty in summer than at any other time of year. The charity has launched its RSPCA No Animal Deserves Cruelty Appeal, because it’s vital that we all take action together to help animals.
If you believe that no animal deserves cruelty, please donate now to help animals as abuse reaches its awful peak this summer.
