Crawley cat accidentally locked in shed for five days
Cats Protection is urging people to 'look before you lock'
A Crawley family is echoing a national charity's campaign to check for cats before locking doors, sheds and outhouses after their pet went missing for five days.
Mia the cat was accidentally locked in her neighbours shed without food or water.
Karim Khassal, of Three Bridges, Crawley, said: “We were beside ourselves with worry, the whole family. We know that even the most homely cats can be tempted to wander when the weather is good, which is why I knocked on so many doors, some twice, asking them to check their sheds.”
She was only found after her owner heard feint meows when out in the garden.
Karim continued: “My mum rushed to the neighbour’s house and banged on the door. We had knocked previously but they hadn’t been home. I even posted a leaflet through their door but presumably they didn’t check their shed. If mum hadn’t heard Mia and been quite persistent at the door, Mia could have perished there.
“I hate to think that she was locked in all that time. She must have been so scared and was clearly very hungry and thirsty when she came home. She doesn’t normally drink water but immediately lapped up a whole bowl. We took her to be checked by our vet and thankfully she was given the all clear and is just happy to be home with her buddy Milo.
National charity Cats Protection is urging people to look before they lock.
Nicky Trevorrow, Cats Protection’s Behaviour Manager, said: “Cats are notoriously curious creatures that like to investigate their surroundings. They also tend to wander further when the weather gets warmer and an open shed or garage can be too inviting to pass by.
“The risk is that they go unnoticed and when the door is closed they become trapped, often for many days without food or water and possibly surrounded by garage or garden products that can be toxic to cats.
“We’re encouraging people to have a final check of their sheds and outbuildings before locking them. Whether storing away garden furniture or stashing bikes or tools, take that last look. Rattle things around in case a cat is hiding. Something so simple could save a cat’s life.”