Santa Claws! Cat rescued from Southsea chimney

We’ve all heard the story about Santa getting stuck up the chimney… now a plucky pussycat had to be rescued by the RSPCA after getting himself stuck in one on Christmas Eve!

The animal welfare charity was contacted by a concerned family after their own cat started acting strangely around the chimney at their home in Southsea, Portsmouth - and when they heard meowing coming from inside, they realised there was a little Santa Claws stuck in there.

RSPCA inspector Emily Stodart arrived and the black and white cat was safely freed after the fireplace was removed.

Emily said: “The cat was frightened and was a little grumpy but thankfully he wasn’t left injured - although he did manage to leave sooty paw prints all over the family’s light-coloured furniture!

“It must have been quite a fall for him and thankfully the family realised there was a cat there so we could rescue him. Cats do sometimes find themselves in predicaments like this - perhaps he was on a mission to help Father Christmas!”

The cat was checked over by Emily and was found to be in good health.

She said: “He looked like a well looked after cat so his family were probably worried where he was. I released him back in the area with a paper collar with details of the incident so his owners know about his little festive adventure!”

This winter, the RSPCA expects to rescue thousands of animals from neglect, cruelty and suffering.

To help rescue teams reach the thousands of animals who desperately need us, visit www.rspca.org.uk/xmas.