A CAT was closed up inside a wellington boot bag and left for dead outside a cattery in Tibberton, near Worcester, just days before Christmas.

The black and white cat was found abandoned in the drive of Danemere Kennels and Cattery on Friday (December 19) morning.

The bag, which he was trapped inside, was sitting in six inches of water and workers at the rescue centre were worried he may have been there for anything up to 12 hours.

Now, after nicknaming him Bagpuss due to his arrival, the centre are hoping he will be able to find a home in the new year, along with some of the other 20 cats they are caring for.

Kirsty Kane, who works at Danemere Kennels and Cattery, in Plough Lane, said: "He was abandoned at the end of the drive. When he was spotted on Friday morning my colleague thought someone had dropped a donation of food or toys at the bottom of the drive, which isn’t uncommon for this time of year. Then the bag moved.

"You can imagine his horror on further investigation when he open the bag which was fully zipped and there was this beautiful black and white cat with collar, even worse he was sat in about six inches of water on a freezing cold day.

"When we brought him up and examined him he is an approximately 18 months old, un-neutered male. He is a very friendly cat but was stressed from being trapped but now he has settled with us and is a really friendly chap.

"We reckon perhaps he was playing with the Christmas tree and his owners decided to get rid of him."

It is a busy time of year for the rescue centre and they are now full with more cats in need of their help.

"We currently have about 20 cats waiting for a home and many on the waiting list," added Ms Kane. "As we are full we can only take in new cats once one has been rehomed.

"Everyday, especially this time of year, we are getting phone calls from people wanting rehome their cats and dogs.

"But we are so full to bursting and rely entirely on donations to keep running. Also there is a major cat crisis at the moment with over population from people who aren’t getting there cats neutered."

Now the cattery is hoping when they begin rehoming again next year Bagpuss will find a new home.

Ms Kane added: "We actually stop rehoming from this weekend until January 3 to prevent people adopting and giving pets as presents as January is always a busy time for us.

"But in the new year we would love for Bagpuss to find a loving home where he can have a warm dry bed and forget about his ordeal."