Home still sought for cat dumped in box months ago

Charlie was left outside the RSPCA centre with just a tin of tuna

An abandoned cat who clawed his way out of a taped-up cardboard box is still looking for a new home five months later.

Charlie was left in the box outside an RSPCA branch in Derbyshire with just a tin of tuna to eat.

He had already escaped by the time staff found the box in March but was later caught.

Staff at the Spital Lane centre said Charlie was ready to be rehomed in May but he was still waiting.

'Distressing ordeal'

Charlie was "extremely nervous" at first and "would glower and hiss at staff and volunteers".

However, that has all changed.

Steph McCawley, from RSPCA Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, said: "He was so fearful at first, which is understandable given the distressing ordeal he went through, but the transformation in his demeanour has been heartening to witness.

"He loves being fussed and groomed and will eagerly come on to your lap for a bit of attention - he's really stolen our hearts.

"In the right home he'll make a wonderful companion, we just need someone to take a chance on him."

Charlie managed to claw his way out of the box

The RSPCA said a cat would normally have found a new home by now, but it believes Charlie is being overlooked because he has Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).

FIV is a viral infection in cats that weakens their immune system, and it means Charlie will need to be kept as an indoor cat.

Ms McCawley said: "Although no-one can predict the future, many cats like Charlie who have FIV can live long, healthy and full lives and want nothing more than to be loved in a home of their own."

Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.