The cat had survived in terrible and freezing conditions by trapping mice which had come into the cage and is now being looked after by a local vet.

The brave moggy was first heard by two walkers more than two weeks ago.

They did not want to be named and would not speak to the Whitby Gazette but told Eve Walker, secretary of Whitby Animal Welfare, how they came across the cat.

She told the Whitby Gazette: "The couple had been out walking around some woods near Lealholm when they heard a faint miaowing.

"They looked around and couldn't find anything. They returned over the next two weeks before they eventually found the cat.

"It was in a metal cage which was bound by what looked like bungee ropes.

"The weather had been terrible and it had no shelter from the rain so it is a miracle it was still alive.

"The bars on the cage were quite wide and there were the remains of mice in there so it must have survived by eating mice that came into the cage on a night.

"It is terrible to think someone would abandon a cat like this and thankfully it looks like it is going to be okay."

The cat is currently being looked after at Beck Veterinary Practice until it is back to full strength before it will go to a family who will give it a safe, permanent home.

The Whitby Gazette contacted the RSPCA to see if it would be following up the incident.

A spokeswoman for the charity said: "The RSPCA is unable to comment directly on this incident as it has not yet been reported to us and we are unaware of the full facts.

"However, all owners are legally responsible for meeting the needs of their pet.

"Failing to do so, which would include abandoning it in circumstances likely to cause unnecessary suffering, is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

"If found guilty, the person responsible could be sentenced to a maximum of six months in prison and/or a £20,000 fine. Anyone who knows anything about what happened here should contact the RSPCA on (0300) 1234 999."