Cat abandoned in filthy flat rehomed for Christmas

A starving cat left abandoned in a filthy flat for nine days in Greater Manchester has found a loving new home.

RSPCA inspectors discovered the stricken pet, called Freya, locked in a rubbish-strewn flat in Wigan, Greater Manchester, along with another cat called Minnie.

The pair had made several attempts to escape through the front door but failed, until an RSPCA inspector spotted one of the cats frantically moving its paw through a gap at the bottom of the door - and went on to rescue the moggies.

New owner Helen Howlett said Freya has brought "so much joy" to her life.

Ms Howlett, who lives with her partner Matt in Warrington, Cheshire, said she has a loving and affectionate nature.

She said: "Sometimes we wake up to her toys outside our room like she is asking us to play and sometimes she climbs under the duvet and sleeps between us.

"She is loving and hilarious and amazing company".

Her black and white friend Minnie has also found a new home.

The pair were found in hazardous circumstances, the RSPCA said.

After receiving calls from members of the public, inspectors placed seals around the door of a flat after discovering they could not gain entry or locate whether any cats were inside.

On a follow up visit on 27 December 2022, inspector Rachel Whalley arrived and saw the seals were intact but said she could see a cat frantically moving its paw through a gap at the bottom of the door in an attempt to get free.

Entry into the flat was later gained with the help of Greater Manchester Police.

Ms Whalley said litter trays were found covered while empty food bowls and piles of cat faeces were also found inside.

She added: "The flat was strewn with clutter and there were hazards on the floor which would not be safe for cats to be around".

Both cats were found to be underweight with Freya weighing 1.1kg when an average weight would be 3.6-4.5kgs.

The pair were put on a special diet to build up their weight before being adopted.

The RSPCA said a man from Wigan was later sentenced to a 12-month community order with 100 hours of unpaid work, and was also banned from keeping all animals.

The incident comes after the RSPCA reported a 23% increase in the number of pets left abandoned and home alone over Christmas last year.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas to [email protected]