An ageing feline zipped-tied inside a potting mix bag in Kurri Kurri has found a loving home.

In late October, a member of the public brought the cat to the Hunter shelter run by RSCPCA NSW after discovering her trapped inside the sack.

Still alive and remarkably well considering the circumstances, the female tabby was named Honey… and quickly proved just as sweet as her name suggests.

With no current microchip information available, inspectors were unable to trace where she had come from or how she ended up abandoned.

Estimated to be about 12 years old, Honey was transferred to the RSPCA NSW Behaviour and Rehabilitation Centre (BARC) at Somersby.

There, staff assed her health and behaviour to be better understand what type of household would suit her.  

At the centre, each animal is observed to see how they respond to people, other pets and different environments.

This is so staff can determine whether pets need a quieter house, a multi-pet home or a family environment, ensuring the best possible match before adoption.

Older cats can sometimes take longer to find homes and Honey initially attracted little interest from potential adopters.

That changed when Jenny’s son spotted her online adoption profile and noticed a striking resemblance to their former family pet.

“Honey looked just like our other cat, Misha, that I got from the RSPCA back in maybe 2005… it was absolutely meant to be,” she said.

“She’s such a sweetheart.”

Now settled into her new home, Honey has quickly become part of the family.

“She’s really relaxed with us and she’s jumping up on our laps and she’s sleeping in a hammock,” Jenny said.  

“It’s disgusting how they found her, but she is still just so accepting and loving to humans.

“People don’t realise that older cats are really nice.

“We’ve got three cats from the RSPCA over the years and they’ve all been absolutely amazing.”

Honey’s rescue highlights both the challenges faced by animal welfare organisations and the positive outcomes adoption can bring.

Investigations into cruelty cases can be difficult, particularly when animals do not have updated identification details.

But, there are also many success stories.

Nationwide, the RSPCA facilitated more than 26,000 animal adoptions in the past financial year, giving thousands of pets a second chance.

The organisation is also encouraging people to consider adopting through initiatives such as National Adoption Month.

For Honey, that second chance has already paid off with a hammock and a home filled with affection.

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