Left paw cat rescue makes headlines after saving cat SOLD on vinted

Left Paw Cat Rescue, recently found themselves at the centre of national attention after rescuing a cat that had been listed for sale on Vinted. The story was featured nationally on the BBC website and BBC radio 2, as well as locally on  BBC Radio WM and the evening news.

The young cat had been advertised for £30 on the second hand clothing site. Selling animals through online marketplaces raises serious welfare concerns, and it also goes directly against Vinted’s rules. Recognising the risk to the cat, Left Paw Cat Rescue acted quickly to prevent the cat from coming to harm. Whilst many people had reported the listing to Vinted, and encouraged the lady selling him to contact cat rescues, the listing remained live for over 24 hours.

Abi and Ellie, from the Left Paw team arranged to collect the cat in person from an address Birmingham. The cat appeared frightened and unsettled during the handover, but thankfully showed no immediate signs of physical harm.

Most concerningly, the cat was given away with no checks, no questions, and no reassurance that it was going to a safe or suitable home. There was nothing that showed Abi and Ellie that the lady cared about this cat.

Thankfully, now under the care of Left Paw, after his necessary vet work the cat will be carefully matched with a loving new owner.

What do we know about the cat?

Not very much is known about this cat's background, however we do know that he is a male cat, aged around three years old. He was not neutered or chipped, so likely unvaccinated too.

What happened to the cat after it was rescued by Left Paw Cat Rescue?

The cat has been named Albert, he's currently in the care of one of Left Paw's fosterers, awaiting his forever home. Despite Albert's challenging past, he's making great strides in learning to trust humans again, thanks to the patient and loving care of his fosterer, Rebekah. He has now also been neutered, chipped and once completley recovered Rebekah is hoping to give him his forever home.

Would you like to help a cat like Albert?

We urgently need more foster carers to allow us to support more abandoned and stray cats in Birmingham. If you are able to offer a temporary loving home to a cat in need then please fill out the foster enquiry form on our website and we'll be in touch.

Apply to be a cat foster