Nibbles the cat rescued being left in dead man’s home for weeks

A cat has been rescued after being left in a dead man’s home for an entire month.

Stray Cat Rescue Team West Midlands were alerted by a friend of Nibbles’ owner, who was found dead between 9 and 10 October. The charity says the man had been dead for at least one or two weeks before his body was discovered.

Despite cat treats, food, toys and litter trays being in the home, police said they did not find Nibbles. After they left, the cat was left to fend for herself inside the locked-up home.

Nibbles the cat rescued from dead man’s home

“Nibbles was left in the fly-ridden property in horrific conditions with all windows and doors shut,” the rescue team told The Independent.

“She only survived due to drinking toilet water and eating from a bag of dry food that had luckily been left on the floor. This was obviously a loved pet, and there was no regard whatsoever for her safety or life.”

Nibbles was found curled up in her owner’s bedroom following a tip-off from a friend. Stray Cat Rescue Team West Midlands have complained to the police and the housing association, arguing that situations like this should never occur.

“We worry about how often this happens, how often properties aren’t searched [and] how many loved pets are left in locked-up properties to die.

“This shouldn’t just be about the person, when these animals have lost their world, authorities should be acting accordingly to find these animals.”

Police receive complaint over trapped cat

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said police officers had not spotted the cat when they entered the property, despite concerns being raised.

"As a complaint has been received in relation to this incident, it would be inappropriate for us to comment at this time,” the spokesperson added.

Nibbles is now being looked after by volunteers and is decompressing from the “trauma she has endured”.

The team told the Independent that a few people have messaged looking to re-home Nibbles, but says the cat needs time, reassurance and patience before they find her a forever home.