Cat trapped for five days inside donated sofa

A couple who bought a sofa from a charity shop got an extra surprise when they found a cat trapped inside it.

Ten-year-old Crockett spent five days trapped in the three-seater settee after his owners made the donation to St Luke’s Hospice in Grays, Essex.

Pauline and Bill Lowe, both 66, from Corringham, said they had been devastated to lose Crockett and were delighted to have him home.

It is thought he sneaked into the sofa as it was taken apart before being moved.

Mrs Lowe added: “We can’t believe how he must have tucked himself into the sofa during the short time the bottom was removed and remained silent for so long.”

The grey tabby was discovered by the new owners after they heard a “soft miaow”.

David Emery, from St Luke’s, said the sofa went through “normal routine checks” before being taken into the shop.

Shop manager Jenny Munro said: “They heard a soft miaow sound and, on further investigation of the sofa, saw two claws poking out of the material which moved away when touched.

“In order to release the cat they had to rip the material under the sofa as Crockett had lodged himself well into the back.”

The sofa’s new owners, who have chosen to remain anonymous, said: ”We are so thrilled that he is safe and sound and was found in time.“