Weak cat dumped at March vets

A weak cat had to be put down after being dumped on the doorstep of a March veterinary surgery in a canvas bag.

The RSPCA is now appealing for more information after the tortoiseshell and white female was left in a Sainsbury’s bag for life at Best Friends in Upwell Road, March.

The cat, which was believed to be three years old, was found at 5.30am on Monday, December 1, but had been left in the bag – without a blanket – by a woman at 4.30am. A white van and dark car were seen in the area.

Neighbours heard the cat howling in distress and called the vets, who found her.

She was dehydrated, weak and suffering from hypothermia. Her temperature was so cold it did not register on the thermometer.

Attempts were made to revive her, but the cat was so ill the vets decided the kindest thing to do was put her down.

RSPCA Inspector Carrie O’Riordan said: “This poor cat was in a terrible way and was in no fit state to be left outside on such a freezing winter’s night.

“She was so weak and collapsed that she couldn’t even get herself out of the bag. And she was so cold that her temperature did not even register on the thermometer.

“We don’t know the exact cause of the medical condition which left her in such a bad way, or how much of her deterioration was due to that or being left out in such bad weather. It is likely both factors contributed to her condition.

“It may well be that whoever dumped her here thought they were doing the right thing by leaving her outside a vets, but the reality was that leaving her out in such cold made her a lot worse.

“The terrible howling the neighbours heard shows the incredible distress she was in.

“This was simply no way to treat an animal and we urge anyone with any information to call us on 0300 123 8018.”