A starving cat who was so hungry she resorted to eating dried pasta is still looking for a new home at an RSPCA centre near Middlesbrough – more than 320 days after she was rescued.
Five-year-old Lola was found in a house in Durham along with two other cats and an elderly blind dog in January 2022 after the animals had been repeatedly left to fend for themselves with no food or water.
A vet who examined them after they were rescued by the RSPCA said she had never seen animals so ‘ravenously hungry’ before.
Living amongst rubbish and several weeks’ worth of piled-up faeces, all three cats were underweight and anaemic because of severe flea infestations. Lola was given a body score condition of only two out of nine and had to be put on a drip.
Forced to drink water from the kitchen sink, the cats had torn open packets of pasta and couscous to try and stay alive. They were also severely dehydrated – in part because of the overpowering heat in the property caused by an electric fire which had been left on in the lounge.
The vet said they’d been suffering because of inadequate nutrition for at least six weeks and had they been left for another couple of days they would most likely not have survived.
Lola has since made a good recovery at the RSPCA’s Great Ayton Animal Centre where her favourite pastime is playing with her ping pong ball. But she’s sadly been overlooked by potential adopters and is now one of the longest-staying residents.
Cattery supervisor Beverley Dunn, said: “Lola is a very sweet girl who has grown in confidence since she’s been with us.
“She’s very independent and likes to do her own thing but she also enjoys a little bit of fuss from the staff she’s got to know here over the past 14 months. Her new owners will need to be patient and give her space but we’re confident she’ll thrive and enjoy even more attention once she’s settled.
“After her traumatic past she really deserves to be happy; she’s still a young cat and has her whole life ahead of her and we hope that sharing her story will help us to find her a wonderful new home.”
Lola adores Dreamies, her box of catnip and playing with a ping pong ball in her pod. She’d prefer to be the only pet in an adult household and would like to have outside space to be able to explore.
The RSPCA prosecuted Lola’s owner, who was given a 16-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, and banned from keeping all animals for five years. The other cats were also rehoming by the charity at different centres, although sadly the elderly dog was put to sleep on veterinary advice because of ill health.
You can find out more about Lola and how to register an interest in adopting her by visiting Great Ayton Animal Centre’s website.
