A stray cat trapped in an unused building for several nights was rescued on Christmas Day in Thailand.

The moggy had slipped into the derelict building in Bangkok through a jalousie window to take shelter from the cooler winter weather but found it was stuck inside.

Locals who had been hearing the stray's cries reported to local animal charity The Hope Thailand hoping the feline could be saved before it starves to death.

Officers from the organisation contacted the landlord, who at first denied them access 'because he was in another province'.

But determined staff at The Hope Thailand reached out to the Division of Animal Welfare and Veterinary Service, local authorities and the police to obtain an entry permit under the Animal Cruelty Prevention and Welfare Act.

They entered the building on December 25, walking over documents, debris, and glass shards littering the dust-covered mezzanine where the cat was believed to have entered.

Rescuers proceeded to the third floor, and found the male cat cowering inside a dirty toilet. They cornered and caught it with ease as it had been weakend from several days without food and water.

The cat was placed inside a cage and rushed to the Lump Veterinary Clinic where it underwent medical tests.

Doctors said the unneutered cat weighed around 15lbs and was suffering dehydration, malnutrition, and several lesions in its mouth. It was given medication and handed over to The Hope Thailand.

The agency said they were looking for the cat's owner. If unclaimed, they will adopt the moggy, named 'Christmas' to mark the day it was rescued.