Animal lovers have stepped in to help save the life of a ‘really wild’ cat rescued by the RSPCA.
Charlie was one of three felines found after the charity’s officers raided a local property recently.
The animals were presented to The Lodge Cattery to bring back to health and potentially re-homing.
However, the Savannah cat’s been deemed too dangerous for a member of the public to take on.
The charity told Pode Hole rescue centre including owner Jan Bryant that they believe Charlie only survived the brutal conditions he was found in by eating other cats.
As a result she describes him as ‘really wild, like a tiger at a zoo’ who, when he came in, only ate meat.
It was thought that the only option would be to put the cat down, but Jan didn’t want to do that.
“When Charlie came in he was really skinny, riddled with worms and had lots of fleas.” said Jan who still has to feed him with a large, padded glove. “His jaw is like that of a Doberman dog.
“We don’t know how old he is but we think he’s been kept for at least five years in a tiny pen and used as a stud cat.
“The RSPCA had to sedate him to get him in a cage meant for a badger and out of the house which was littered with the remains of other cats.
“He was so aggressive with all of us
“I just can’t give up on any cat and just wanted to do something.
“Charlie’s already making progress. He’s starting to play more and will let me stroke him with one hand while I’m giving him treats.”
Jan’s run The Lodge for 19 years and as well as looking after cats, it’s also a designated animal rescue centre.
However, she didn’t have a pen big enough to house Charlie on his own.
She spoke to Tim Langford of TJ Landscapes who was working on another pen at the time and offered to build an enclosure big enough to house Charlie.
A private donation has been made to ensure it can happen and work has already begun.
The larger paddock for Charlie will also incorporate shelves and things for him to climb on including a tree.
“It’s been horrendous working in the heat,” said Mr Langford of building Charlie’s pen.
“I’ve a dog at home but it’s great to be able to do this for someone as passionate as Jan is.”
Jan feeding Charlie.
