RSPCA probe as cat dumped inside North Staffordshire cave

RSPCA officers are investigating after a 'very scared cat' was found abandoned in a cave with no food or water. The animal was discovered in a carrier at the spot in Tittensor.

Fortunately the cat was spotted and taken to the vets. Now the RSPCA is appealing for information after the discovery at Beech Caves, off Beechdale Lane, at 11.30am yesterday (May 14).

Tom Hall, an animal rescue officer with the RSPCA, says the cat was not injured - but was very anxious.

He said: "This poor cat was found alone in a cat carrier in this dark cave. He had no food or water with him and was very scared. Luckily he has no obvious signs of injury.

“He’s not microchipped so we’re not able to find out who he belongs to. I went down to the location and left a found poster on the cave’s entry. Luckily he was spotted - we’d really like to thank the person who took him to the vets and brought him to safety."

The poster has now been pinned to the caves. The cat is due to be cared for at the RSPCA's North Staffordshire branch before being rehomed if the owner cannot be found.

Just last year and the RSPCA received 20,999 calls about abandoned animals - more than in any of the previous three years.

Tom added: "We understand that the cost of living crisis has had an impact on people’s finances and some people may be struggling to care for their pets. Reports about animals being abandoned and dumped are rising, and we're seeing more animals coming into our care."

Anyone with information on the cat found in Tittensor should call 0300 123 8018 and quote 01265267.

Want more court and crime news? Sign up to our court and crime newsletter here