Chesterfield: New home needed for cat dumped in taped-up box

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

A new home is needed for a cat who was abandoned outside a Derbyshire RSPCA centre in a taped-up cardboard box.

The cat, now named Charlie, is believed to have clawed his way out and was later caught by staff at the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire rehoming centre.

He was "extremely nervous" after first arriving at the centre and would hiss at staff and volunteers.

But staff said Charlie had recovered well and was now ready to be rehomed.

Staff arriving at the Spital Lane centre in March found a box with "a cat-sized hole in the cardboard" containing a half-eaten tin of tuna and clumps of black fur.

An unfamiliar cat had been seen nearby, they said, so a trap was set and the stray was caught.

Charlie is ready to be rehomed but will need to stay indoors

Charlie was "fearful" to begin with, but staff were surprised when a visit to the vets changed things, and said he had been "craving affection" since.

Steph McCawley, from the rehoming centre, said: "Animals don't typically tend to enjoy vet visits any more than we enjoy trips to the hospital, but Charlie has never really been all that 'typical,' and he loved every second of it.

"He's been like a different cat ever since, the change in his temperament has been quite remarkable. 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.

"Charlie was so fearful at first - and of course he went through a really distressing ordeal - but the transformation in his demeanour has been wonderful to see."

The RSPCA said he would need a home where he could be the only pet and stay indoors.

Staff hope Charlie will be able to find his "perfect match"