Abandoned cat Shut Inside Cabinet

Cat shut inside cabinet in communal hallway with belongings dumped outside

The RSPCA is investigating after a cat was abandoned and shut inside a cabinet in the communal hallway of a block of flats.

RSPCA animal rescue officer Chloe Wilson was called to a block of flats in Croydon on Sunday (31 October) after residents found a cat locked inside a wooden cabinet.

Chloe said: “The young cat – a black and white male puss – was shut inside a small wooden cabinet that was in the hallway of the block of flats. Someone had lined the door with blue tape so that the door wouldn’t open and he couldn’t push his way out.

“His belongings including a cat basket and a litter tray were left outside the flats so it’s clear he’s been abandoned and was no longer wanted by his owners which is heartbreaking.”

The friendly cat was taken to the RSPCA’s Leybourne Animal Centre in Kent where he’s being cared for by staff and has been named Oakley.

Chloe added: “We understand that times are hard and many people who got pets during lockdown may now be struggling to take care of them but there is help out there so we’d urge people to ask for help and never to abandon their pets; especially not like this. Oakley is lucky that he was found and helped quickly, otherwise he may have suffered unimaginably.

“Anyone who knows where Oakley has come from or who is responsible for abandoning him should contact our appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”

Oakley was a little shy initially but is now coming out of his shell and staff described him as ‘sweet’ and ‘friendly’.

A spokesperson at Leybourne Animal Centre said: “He quickly forgets he is shy and is all over you wanting head scratches and he has a very loud purr! He loves to demand a fuss and watch the leaves falling off the trees outside.”

Oakley isn’t yet available for rehoming so please don’t contact the centre to enquire about him just yet. To find out about all of the cats who are currently looking for new homes at the RSPCA please visit www.rspca.org.uk/findapet.

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.