Cheshire cat dumped in taped-up box is rescued by RSPCA volunteers

The RSPCA is appealing for help after a black cat was left for dead in a sealed box in Crewe.

Volunteers from RSPCA Crewe and Nantwich and District Branch are caring for the poor feline who was found next to a bin near to Ruskin Community High School in Ruskin Road around midday on October 17.

The cat, who is between six to eight years old, was covered in her own faeces by the time she was rescued. She has been named Pumpkin and has recovered from her ordeal after veterinary treatment.

The abandonment illustrates the issues the animal charity is facing as the cost of living crisis takes hold and more people are sadly giving up their pets or dumping them in vulnerable situations.

Also it highlights  some people’s perception of black cats, with figures released on National Black Cat Day (October 27) showing that more black and black and white cats are abandoned than other felines - while they also struggle to be rehomed.

This could partly be down to myths around black cats, especially at this time of year. Black cats actually traditionally symbolise good luck, but around Halloween many associate black cats with superstitions or witches.

RSPCA Crewe and Nantwich and District Branch cat rehoming co-ordinator, Mandy Hill, said: “Black cats are more likely to be abandoned - we do find that black or black and white cats make up the majority of those we deal with. It could be down to superstition or there is a theory that they are not as “instagrammable” as cats of a different colour - it’s a real shame.

“This poor cat was found by a woman taking her rubbish out to the bin. She saw the box was moving and heard miaowing. Pumpkin was in a dreadful state and at first it was thought she might have broken her leg, but thankfully that isn’t the case. The women took her in and cleaned her up before taking her to the vets. But as she has a dog who is not cat-friendly she didn’t know what to do with her - fortunately she contacted the branch for help.

“While all our cat pens are full we just had to help this poor cat. So with the kind help of a private cattery, who the branch has a relationship with, we managed to find some space for her where she will be well looked after before we find her new owners.”

The RSPCA is now appealing for anyone who knows who is responsible for this callous act to contact the charity’s appeal line on 0300 1234 8018.

More than 2,000 black cats came into the RSPCA’s 14 national animal centres between 2019 and 2021 - and that does not include the charity’s large network of branches, like Crewe and Nantwich and District, so actual figures will be higher.

During the same period the charity rehomed 2,260 black cats and on average it took 30 days for a black cat to find their forever home compared to 16 days for a grey tabby cat.

Sam Watson, RSPCA cat welfare expert, said: “Researchers have found that some superstitious people find black cats less appealing. But we think they are just beautiful and would urge people to look beyond their perceptions of what an animal looks like. Their fur colour makes no difference to how much affection they have to give.”

If you would like to offer any of the cats at RSPCA Crewe and Nantwich and District Branch a forever home then phone 01270 811013 (or leave a message) or complete an online adoption form.

Could you offer a rescue pet a loving new home? Please visit Find A Pet to see all of the animals currently in our care who are looking for their paw-fect match. 

If you can’t offer a rescue pet a new home perhaps you could help in a different way?

• Become a fosterer for a sick pet recovering from surgery or a youngster who needs to learn how to behave in a home;

• Help us continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming by donating online or calling our donation line on 0300 123 8181;

• Sponsor a cat pod or a dog kennel and help take care of the animals during their stay with us;

• Support the work of your local centre or branch by becoming a volunteer or donating to them directly.

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit our website or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181.

Pictured - Pumpkin has made a recovery after being abandoned before Halloween.