Two missing cats found following Swansea gas explosion

Two cats caught up in a major gas explosion have been reunited with their owner.

After searching high and low for Teddy, who had been missing for nearly a week since the incident, he was found thanks to efforts from RSPCA Llys Nini Branch and Swansea Cats Protection.

A female ragdoll cat, Fern, was rescued by emergency teams at the scene following the incident with RSPCA inspector Holly Brown attending the incident on request from the police. Following a trip to the vet, she was then taken to RSPCA Llys Nini Animal Centre in Penllergaer for emergency boarding.

However, a male ragdoll cat, Teddy – who belonged to the same family who lived in one of the houses devastated by the explosion – was initially not found.

Chair of trustees of RSPCA Llys Nini, Sally Hyman, said: “We were very shocked when this fatal incident happened and our thoughts went out to those involved and affected.

“We wanted to help in any way we could, so initially offered emergency boarding to any pets that had become displaced and also offered any emergency pet supplies.

“We also became involved as one of the cats rescued from the site came into our care.

“Fern was very frightened but luckily didn’t have any injuries and a day later she was reunited with her owners at our animal centre. She stayed with us until Wednesday (15 March) and then moved to stay with a friend of the family. We were so very pleased to give her a place of safety.”

When Teddy wasn’t found there was concern that he may not have survived the explosion, but he was soon spotted.

“Myself and Swansea Cats Protection and some officers from South Wales Police spotted him on Tuesday night and since then we have been working tirelessly to try and catch Teddy,” said Sally.

“On Sunday, a cat trap – which had been placed down for him in the hope he would be lured by some sardines – finally caught him.

“He was dusty and a little cross but otherwise seemed unharmed. Needless to say there were tears all round. It was lovely to see him being reunited with his owner. He must have been living amongst the debris for the last few days, but due to access it had been difficult to rescue him.

“We now believe that all animals in the area have been accounted for which is such a relief.”

The rescue was undertaken by RSPCA Llys Nini Branch and Swansea Cats Protection with on-the-ground support and help from British Gas Engineers, Swansea Council and South Wales Police