‘Heartbreaking’ - Cat found alive after being trapped in dead man’s Shrewsbury home for weeks

A cat has been found alive and well after it became trapped in the Shrewsbury home of its dead owner for weeks.

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Stray Cat Rescue Team West Midlands said the find was “genuinely one of the most heartbreaking situations we’ve ever walked into”.

The Albrighton-based rescue centre said the cat, called Nibbles, had been left alone for weeks with her dead owner but must have hid when the man’s body was finally removed as the cat remained in the empty house for several weeks after.

Explaining the “heartbreaking morning” to their social media followers on Monday (October 26) the rescue centre said: “Last night, we received a message from a very concerned lady who had discovered that her friend, a gentleman living in Shrewsbury, had sadly passed away suddenly.

“Tragically, we were told he had been deceased for around a month before he was discovered, and his body had been removed approximately two weeks ago.

“But there was something worrying her terribly; she knew he had a cat.”

“Nobody seemed to know what had happened to her.

“We were told the police hadn’t seen a cat at the property, and despite concerns being raised, neither the police nor the RSPCA had been able to help. So today, we went ourselves.

“And nothing could have prepared us for what we walked into. Thankfully, the back door was unlocked, allowing us to get inside.”

The rescue team said the cat had kept herself alive by eating from a large bag of dry cat food that had been left in the house.

“Thank goodness that food was there. We dread to think what would have happened otherwise,” the rescue centre said. “And perhaps the most heartbreaking part of all? It was so obvious how much her owner had loved her.

“Amongst the terrible conditions were cat trees, toys, a robotic litter tray and everything a much-loved cat could wish for.”

They added that Nibbles was now safe at the rescue centre but asked: "How many other animals are left behind when their owners die alone?"

They urged pet owners to make a plan for them in case the worst happens.

"Nibbles was incredibly lucky,” they said.

You can follow Stray Cat Rescue Team West Midlands at https://www.facebook.com/straycatrescueteamwm.