Adorable cat abandoned in taped up cardboard box with can of tuna in Chesterfield is looking for a new home

Two-year-old Charlie is believed to have clawed his way out of the taped-up box after being abandoned at the entrance of the charity’s Chesterfield & North Derbyshire Branch animal rehoming centre in Spital Lane at the end of March.

Staff arriving for work in the morning found a half-eaten can of tuna inside, a cat-sized hole in the cardboard and clumps of black fur stuck to one side.

A trap with tasty food was set up and not long after, an unfamiliar black cat who had been seen near the centre and didn’t belong to neighbouring properties, was caught by the staff.

He wasn’t microchipped or wearing a collar, and no-one had reported a pet of his description missing, so staff were fairly confident it was the same cat.

Charlie, as he was subsequently named, was extremely nervous at first and would glower and hiss at staff and volunteers who spent many weeks trying to patiently win his trust.

But surprisingly, that all changed when he was taken to the vets to be neutered. Charlie is said to have ‘loved every second’ of his visit and has not stopped purring and 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 onto 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.

“In the right home he really will make a wonderful companion and fingers crossed our special appeal will help him to find his perfect match.”

Although he’s recovered well, Charlie has since tested positive for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and will therefore need to be kept as an indoor cat as the only pet in the household.

You can register your interest in adopting him and find out more about what sort of home he needs on the centre’s website.

Nearly 190 unwanted cats, dogs, rabbits and birds - all hoping for a second chance - have already come through the Chesterfield rehoming centre’s doors so far this year, and over 120 animals have been adopted.

Many of the animals given life-changing care at the shelter have been the victims of cruelty and neglect and are cared for while RSPCA officers carry out investigations. Others - like Charlie - have been abandoned or handed over for adoption because their owners can sadly no longer care for them.