The RSPCA is appealing for help after a cat was left for dead in Crewe - trapped in a taped-up box outside a local high school.

Volunteers from RSPCA Crewe and Nantwich and District Branch are caring for the poor feline, found next to a bin - near to Ruskin Community High School, Ruskin Road.

The black cat who is aged between six to eight-years-old, was discovered around midday on Monday (October 17).

The. cat was dicovered trapped in a taped-up box near Ruskin Community High School (Ryan Parker).

By the time of rescue, the female cat was covered in her own faeces.

The RSPCA has named the cat Pumpkin. She has since recovered from her ordeal after veterinary treatment.

Due to the cost of living crisis, more people are giving up their pets or dumping them in vulnerable situations.

Figures released on National Black Cat Day (October 27), show more black and black and white cats are abandoned than other felines - also struggling to be re-homed.

This could partly be down to myths around black cats - especially at this time of year.

Black cats actually traditionally symbolise good luck, but around Halloween many associate black cats with superstitions or witches.

By the time of rescue, the female cat was covered in her own faeces (RSPCA).

RSPCA Crewe and Nantwich and District Branch cat rehoming co-ordinator, Mandy Hill, said: "Black cats are more likely to be abandoned - we do find that black or black and white cats make up the majority of those we deal with.

"It could be down to superstition or there is a theory that they are not as 'instagrammable' as cats of a different colour - it's a real shame.

"This poor cat was found by a woman taking her rubbish out to the bin.

"She saw the box was moving and heard miaowing.

"Pumpkin was in a dreadful state and at first it was thought she might have broken her leg, but thankfully that isn't the case."

The RSPCA is now appealing for anyone who knows who is responsible for this callous act to contact the charity's appeal line on: 0300 1234 8018.

Mrs Hill added: "The women took her in and cleaned her up before taking her to the vets.

The cat was found by a woman taking her rubbish out to the bin. She saw the box was moving and heard miaowing (Ryan Parker).

"As she has a dog who is not cat-friendly she didn't know what to do with her - fortunately she contacted the branch for help.

"While all our cat pens are full we just had to help this poor cat.

"With the kind help of a private cattery, who the branch has a relationship with, we managed to find some space for her where she will be well looked after before we find her new owners."

Between 2019 and 2021, more than 2,000 black cats came into the RSPCA's 14 national animal centres.

This figure does not include the charity's large network of branches, like Crewe and Nantwich and District - so actual figures will be higher.

RSPCA cat welfare expert, Sam Watson, said: "Researchers have found that some superstitious people find black cats less appealing.

"We think they are just beautiful and would urge people to look beyond their perceptions of what an animal looks like.

The RSPCA say Black cats are more likely to be abandoned than other cats (RSPCA).

"Their fur colour makes no difference to how much affection they have to give."

If you would like to offer any of the cats at RSPCA Crewe and Nantwich and District Branch a forever home then phone: 01270 811013 - or complete an online adoption form.

READ MORE: Engineering company funds new boxing classes for NHS staff at Crewe hospital.

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