In early May 2025, two cats were heartbreakingly abandoned in a carrier at the roadside in Headington, Oxfordshire. Thanks to the swift actions of a concerned member of the public and the dedicated teams at a local vet and the RSPCA, the pair – now affectionately named Parsley and Sage – are safe, healthy, and on their way to finding a loving new home.
A passerby witnessed a car leave a pet carrier by the roadside and, upon investigation, found two frightened cats inside. They acted quickly, taking the animals to a nearby vet, where the cats were found to be in good health aside from a flea infestation.
The cats are now receiving expert care from the RSPCA Oxfordshire team. Operations Manager Sharon Chrisp shared, “It’s incredibly sad that these animals were likely dumped deliberately. But thanks to the compassion of the person who found them and the quick response from the veterinary practice, they are now safe with us and looking forward to a brighter future.”
This story comes at a critical time. The RSPCA is preparing for the annual influx of cats and kittens during the peak breeding season (May to September), when the number of unwanted animals increases sharply. In 2024, over 27,000 cat-related incidents were recorded by the charity – with nearly 8,000 cases of abandonment.
Alice Potter, RSPCA Cat Welfare Expert, noted, “With rescue centres already at capacity and the cost of living adding pressure to households, we’re calling on the public to support us in any way they can – from fostering and adopting to spreading awareness around neutering.”
How You Can Help
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Neutering Saves Lives: Neutering cats from four months of age can prevent thousands of unwanted litters. Many people mistakenly believe cats should have one litter before being spayed – but early neutering is safer, easier, and prevents suffering.
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Fostering Changes Lives: Fostering cats, especially those who don’t cope well in catteries, or vulnerable mums and kittens, helps ease pressure on rescue centres and offers animals a calm, caring environment.
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Support Local Animals: If you find an abandoned cat, the best thing you can do is take it to a vet, who can scan for a microchip and contact welfare services.
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Adopt, Don’t Shop: Every adoption gives a second chance to a cat in need and helps rescue teams reach the next animal in distress. Rescue cats come vaccinated, neutered and microchipped – ready for their new life.
Thanks to the public’s vigilance and the RSPCA’s unwavering dedication, Parsley and Sage are now safe and waiting for the loving homes they deserve. Their story is a reminder of the power of community and the difference we can all make.
