The RSPCA is appealing for information after an overweight cat was abandoned in a cat carrier in Sheffield.
Tina, the black and white female cat, was found by a member of the public in Sunday (25 August) in Storrs Lane, Wortley. 
There were two cat carriers both with the doors open which were found abandoned down the remote lane. Tina was still by her carrier, but the other cat had unfortunately disappeared.
The kind member of the public who found her contacted the RSPCA and inspector Sara Jordan is now investigating.
She said: “Tina has clearly been someone’s pet as she is rather tubby. Weighing in at 6kgs. She was microchipped but sadly the details were out of date.
“It’s still so shocking to think that people abandon their animals like this, but sadly it is quite common. We see lots of abandonments, especially in June, July and August when there is an 85% increase in the number of animals dumped compared to the winter months. We don’t know why people tend to do this more in summer, it could be that people are out and about more so more likely to see an animal when it has been abandoned, perhaps people feel less guilty about dumping their pets in warmer weather or maybe they cannot find care for them when they go on their summer holidays.
“We believe the cats were dumped overnight and we had very hot weather over the weekend so by morning poor Tina was really struggling in the heat. We are now keeping a look-out for the other cat in the area.”
If you have any information about how this cat came to be abandoned, or if you recognise Tina, you can contact the inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.
Tina is currently being cared for at the RSPCA Barnsley and District Branch. If an owner is not found, then she will be rehomed.
Jackie Siddall, Cat coordinator at the branch said: “Poor Tina is so overweight the member of the public who found her thought she was pregnant. She’s in good health apart from being huge. She’s also incredibly friendly. It’s heart-breaking to see her abandoned like this but thankfully she’s with us now and getting the care she needs.”
