I have just had one of the worst experiences ever in seeking support from the RSPCA to help an abandoned cat: On Monday, July 15, 2024 at about 6:45 pm, my neighbour's cat climbed out of a window and jumped from a flat roof; over 8 ft high, down into our garden below. He was driven to such a desperate act by starvation. He smelt our food. He was emaciated - I could touch my finger and thumb together where his stomach should be. He was disoriented, extremely distressed; crying loudly and persistently and was febble. I feel as if that jump was all he had left... We; myself and my 6-year old helped him. We gave it some tuna; this is all we had, found a box and a blanket for him to sleep in and tried to comfort him. Of course, he didn't sleep, he cried throughout the night, was sick and had diarrhoea all over the place. The poor thing has fleas and goodness knows whatever else as well... On Tuesday morning I started calling for support. I left the RSPCA until last because of all the horror stories about the organisation. I called them several times, desperate for help. Each time I encountered someone less than a human being. It was almost as if they had a script or checklist. Each "agent" regurgitating the same output; variations of this is not an emergency and/or we cannot help... One suggested that I take the cat to a vet to see if he was microchipped. I asked him if someone who is neglecting and starving a cat is likely to have even considered such a responsible thing? Despite my reservations, I took him to the vets who confirmed that he did not. I then called them back only for the agent to revert to the previous "not an emergency script". The only support I have received is from my kind and generous neighbours who have provided a cat litter, cat carrier food and advice about feeding. The RSPCA provided absolutely zero support. They didn't even tell me that it was not a good idea to feed him, or even that full pouches would most likely make him sick!! He was, repeatedly. I have been driven to take the most drastic step to return him to his owner's property with the likelihood of continued neglect and abuse. Needless to say, I will never donate to the RSPCA again and - in my opinion - the Royal Charter - for what it worth - is not deserved!! I find it hard to believe that there are many animals in a worse predicament than this cat and find it even harder to believe that 80% of RSPCA donations actually go to helping animals. Maybe some of the £160,000 annual salary of the "CEO" could be diverted to helping this poor cat!!