Similar bagpuss found in Croydon bin

A sick cat who bears a striking resemblance to beloved TV character ‘Bagpuss’ has been rescued after being found dumped in a bin.

The RSPCA she believes the old Persian cat was deliberately dumped in Croydon, south London, because she wouldn’t have been able to get in there on her own.

Binmen discovered her in a large chest-high bin that would have been difficult for her to climb into, outside of a block.

She was taken to a nearby RSPCA center for a check after workers failed to trace her owners and contacted the animal charity on Tuesday.

The distinctive cat, which staff have officially named Matilda, has been compared to the much-loved cat and children’s character from TV series Adventures of Bagpuss.

Jo Elmes, from RSPCA Putney, said that as soon as they saw the cat, it reminded everyone of Bagpuss.

She added: ‘We can’t believe anyone thought it was silly, she’s such a sweet girl.

“He’s doing really well here though, so if no one comes forward, hopefully we can find him a loving new home – although maybe not with a woodpecker and some mice.”

Animal collection officer Tom Goldsmith knocked on doors but couldn’t find anyone who recognized the cat and it didn’t have a microchip.

He said: “I think it’s unlikely that she got into the basket herself because of its position and height, so unfortunately this may have been done deliberately.”

As well as showing symptoms of cat flu, RSPCA vets fear poor Matilda may always have eye problems due to her breed.

Persians are bred with extremely short, flat faces, known as brachycephalic, and can suffer health and welfare problems as a result, including breathing.