RSPCA Rescues 26 Cats Found Sealed in Birmingham Alley

Twenty-six cats and kittens were rescued after being found sealed inside plastic boxes and carriers beside dumped rubbish in an alleyway on Hawthorn Road, Birmingham, on September 30. A member of the public discovered the animals between a bakery and a shop and contacted the RSPCA.

The cats were found underweight with significant flea problems, and some were struggling to breathe inside sealed containers, according to the RSPCA. Two cats, Mauve and Mr Gold, were taken to Birmingham Animal Hospital for treatment for fleas, anemia, dehydration and monitoring for cat flu.

The remaining 24 cats and kittens are recovering in RSPCA care and will be rehomed when they are ready. The charity said CCTV footage from the area was being reviewed as part of its investigation.

Animal rescue officer Paul Nijjar described the discovery as a serious welfare case involving animals found in sealed containers.

"This was clearly a distressing discovery - 26 cats and kittens, with some shut in sealed plastic boxes. The finder said that when he came across them, many were lethargic and appeared to be struggling to breathe in the boxes. They were all underweight and had a significant flea burden," said Paul Nijjar, Animal Rescue Officer.

Nijjar said the cats were discovered on a busy street during the middle of the day and that investigators were examining available footage. The RSPCA also linked the incident to wider pressure on animal rescue services in England and Wales.

"This is an incredibly cruel way to treat defenceless cats and kittens. We know people are struggling, but there are ways to get help," said Paul Nijjar, Animal Rescue Officer.

The RSPCA recorded 1,752 mass cat incidents involving 10 or more cats at one property in 2025, compared with 1,045 in 2024 and 613 in 2021. The charity said about 20,000 cats entered its care in 2025.

The charity said the Birmingham discovery came days after six kittens were found abandoned in a crate on Metchley Drive. The kittens, named Stevie and Nicks, Liam and Noel, and Banana and Rama, were recovering at Birmingham Animal Centre.

Nijjar urged cat owners to seek early neutering support as the charity reported a rise in unwanted pet cases.

"Cat owners who neuter their cats from four months of age will help to tackle this surge in unwanted pets. Kittens can become pregnant themselves as early as four months which is why booking an appointment with a vet for early neutering is so important," said Paul Nijjar, Animal Rescue Officer.