A walker was shocked to find a pet carrier dumped in the middle of the woods – with a cat inside.
The woman stumbled upon the tabby cat abandoned in the woods near Wootton Avenue, Peterborough, on Wednesday 12 February and called the RSPCA.
RSPCA animal collection officer Naemi Kilbey went to collect the poor puss. She said: “The female tabby cat had been shut inside the beige-coloured, plastic pet carrier and simply discarded in the woods.
“She was in dense undergrowth so it’s lucky she was spotted. Whoever dumped her like this obviously didn’t care whether she was found or not. It’s disgusting.”
The cat – thought to be around four-years old – has been taken int care by staff at RSPCA Block Fen Animal Centre, in Cambridgeshire, where she’s been named Joanie.
Naemi added: “We had her checked over by a vet and she’s really underweight and has very matted fur. Her teeth are in a real state too and she’ll need some dental work.
“It’s completely unacceptable to abandon a cat, in this state, in these circumstances and we’re appealing to anyone who might recognise her or know who her owner is or who’s responsible for dumping her to get in touch with us by calling 0300 123 8018.”
Staff taking care of Joanie have described her as ‘sweet’ but said she’ll need lots of TLC due to her poor condition.
A spokesperson added: “We will continue to monitor her until she is well enough to look for a new home.”
For more information about adopting a cat from RSPCA visit www.rspca.org.uk/findapet.