An abandoned young cat who became stuck fast behind a boiler at a house has been rescued by the RSPCA.
Black and white Izzy was left behind at the property which had been empty for at least 12 days.
She was discovered trapped upside down in a tiny gap between the boiler and a wall by a contractor who had come to service the appliance.
Izzy – who was reported to the RSPCA as “scared but alive” – has since been recovering from her ordeal at the charity’s Bridlington, Driffield & District Branchcattery after being rescued by RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Lizzy Thompson.
Cattery staff who are looking after the one-year-old feline say she is slowly beginning to come out of her shell and is now ready to find a “patient” and “understanding” home, although she has yet to receive a single adoption enquiry.
Lizzy, who carried out the rescue on 11 February, said: “I managed to wrap a towel around Izzy and gently ease her out – she was stuck fast and completely unable to move. She was very scared at first but thankfully we got to her just in time and I did my best to try and reassure her she was now safe.
“As far as we know, no food or water had been provided for Izzy during the time the property had been empty. I saw a small window had been left open in the kitchen and she may have been going outside and scavenging for whatever she could find. It’s also possible she became trapped after desperately searching for something to eat inside the house.
“Apart from being dehydrated the vet said she was in surprisingly good condition, so much so they decided there was no need for her to stay overnight. She was given some routine flea and worming treatment and we then transported her to a private boarding facility before she moved to our Bridlington Branch cattery where the team there have done a wonderful job helping to recover from a really frightening experience.”
Animal abandonment is a major issue for RSPCA officers and last year the charity received more reports about dumped animals than in any of the previous five years.
Bridlington Branch Cattery Manager Sophie Gibbon-Roles, said: “The trauma Izzy went through before coming into our care has understandably had an impact on her behaviour. Small glimpses of her sweet, true nature are slowly shining through, and she’s allowed a few strokes and attention at her own pace from people she knows.
“But she’s still very much in the early stages of feeling safe and remains a very sensitive cat who is not yet comfortable with being handled and can react defensively when she feels overwhelmed.
“Because of this we’re looking for a very specific type of home for Izzy with an experienced cat owner who understands feline behaviour and will give her time, patience and understanding. It’s really important that potential adopters are prepared to reassure her and build up her trust and confidence, without pressure.
“We know it’s a big ask, which is sadly why we think we’ve yet to receive a single rehoming application. But we know the right person, who will accept her for who she is right now, is out there somewhere. Cattery life is no life for any cat, but even more so for felines like Izzy.”
Izzy is not suitable for first-time owners and will need a quiet, adult-only home with no other pets. In time she will need to have the opportunity to be able to go outside in a safe, secure area. She has been microchipped, neutered and vaccinated by the branch and received a full health check.
If you think you can offer Izzy the right home please visit the branch’s website for details about how to apply or email cattery@rspca-bridlington.org.uk.
Kind hearted supporters of the Bridlington Branch, which is a self-funding, independent charity within the RSPCA family, have raised nearly £200 towards the cost of her veterinary treatment and ongoing care.
