Cat found trapped upside down behind boiler

Holly PhillipsEast Yorkshire and Lincolnshire
News imageRSPCA A black and white cat laid on its side in a dark grey bed, clawing a light grey blanket. RSPCA
Izzy was left behind at a house in Hull, which was empty for almost 12 days

An abandoned cat that was rescued from being trapped behind a boiler at a house in Hull is ready to find a new home.

Izzy was left behind at an empty house in Inglemire for almost 12 days and was found upside down in a gap between the boiler and a wall by a contractor, according to the RSPCA.

The one-year-old feline was reported to the animal charity as "scared but alive" and has since been recovering at the Bridlington, Driffield and District branch.

Animal rescue officer Lizzy Thompson said: "The team there have done a wonderful job helping [Izzy] to recover from a really frightening experience."

News imageRSPCA A black and white cat trapped between a cream-coloured wall and a white boiler. RSPCA
Izzy was trapped in a small gap between a boiler and a wall

Thompson, who rescued Izzy on 11 February, said: "She was very scared at first but thankfully we got to her just in time and I did my best to try and reassure her she was now safe."

Thompson said Izzy, apart from being dehydrated, was in "surprisingly good condition".

The feline was taken to a private boarding facility before she moved to the charity's cattery.

Almost three months on, staff said Izzy had slowly come out of her shell and was now ready to find a "patient" and "understanding" home.

News imageRSPCA A black and white cat looking at the camera, hiding under a grey fluffy blanket in a dark grey cat bed. RSPCA
Izzy is still quite sensitive, cattery staff say

Cattery manager Sophie Gibbon-Roles said: "The trauma Izzy went through before coming into our care has understandably had an impact on her behaviour.

"Small glimpses of her sweet, true nature are slowly shining through, and she's allowed a few strokes and attention at her own pace from people she knows.

"But she's still very much in the early stages of feeling safe and remains a very sensitive cat who is not yet comfortable with being handled and can react defensively when she feels overwhelmed."

Gibbon-Roles said Izzy would need an "experienced cat owner who understands feline behaviour".

She is not suitable for first-time owners and would need a quiet, adult-only home with no other pets, the charity said.

Anyone who thinks they could offer Izzy the right home should visit the branch's website.

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