Robyn’s Nest and the Rest Animal Rescue searches for new home for hogtied cat Bilbo

BILBO, the cat tied up and wrapped in plastic before being left at a pet shop, needs a loving and patient new owner.

Bilbo was left at a pet shop hogtied and wrapped in a plastic bag. Picture: Paul Loughnan

BILBO the cat that was rescued after being hogtied and wrapped in a plastic bag is on the mend.

But his carers at Robyn’s Nest and all the Rest Pet Rescue warn the little black cat will require a lot of love and patience to address serious behavioural issues.

The young male cat was brought into a Doncaster pet store by a woman on May 12, tightly wrapped in a plastic bag with its legs tied together.

The woman, who could not speak English, told a sales assistant through a translator that the cat had grown too big for her house.

RELATED: Bilbo the cat ditched at Doncaster pet shop because owner said it had grown too big

The pet store did not ask the woman for her details for fear she would take the cat back, but later reported the incident to police.

The cat was then taken to Oakleigh Central Veterinary Clinic for treatment before being delivered to Robyn’s Nest.

Robyn’s Nest founder Robyn Hunter said Bilbo had lived with four different carers since he arrived.

Ms Hunter said Bilbo was a frightened cat who had not been taught how to play and sometimes behaved like a feral cat.

“When you’re walking by he’ll bring the claws out because he just doesn’t know any better,” Ms Hunter said.

Ms Hunter said there was still hope for the little cat but admitted he needed time and attention from a patient carer with past experience managing cats with behavioural issues.

One of Bilbo’s carers, Nadia Munday, said Bilbo’s behaviours indicated previous abuse and possibly a lack of mothering.

“He doesn’t know how to play,” Mrs Munday said.

“Most kittens are taught how to play by their mother when they start venturing out of the nest around three weeks off age, and when they are too rough playing the mother cat tells them off.

“It’s almost like he hasn’t had any of that.”

If you have experience caring for cats with behavioural problems and think you could give Bilbo a temporary or permanent home, or if you want to contribute financially to his care, email [e-mail] or visit the organisation’s Facebook page.