Distraught: Janet Hector cuddles her injured cat Kitty

A cat owner has been left devastated after her moggy is thought to have been mutilated with a stick in a sickening attack.

Treatment: Kitty has been given anaesthetic drugs four times since she was found critically ill on Friday

Distraught Janet Hector, 53, is appealing for information after her two-year-old cat Kitty was left critically ill with internal wounds on Friday.

The grandmother said her cat turned up on her doorstep covered in blood and took her to a PDSA vet surgery where she was initially critically ill. She is recovering at home today.

Janet, of Windsor Road, Dagenham, said: “I’m distraught.

“The vet she was taken to said he had never seen that in 22 years of practice.

“The wound is so deep it has been done with a stick. People said to me it could be kids. It sickens me somebody could do that.”

Mrs Hector is planning to report the injuries to police and the RSPCA is appealing for information.

An RSPCA spokesman said: “It looks like this cat has been through horrendous suffering. We would like to appeal for information - People can call us in confidence.”

Kitty went missing on Thursday then showed up at Janet’s house the following day.

The feline was taken to the vet clinic in Ilford where she was given anaesthetic drugs four times.

The cat was initially critically ill but started eating again and came home today.

PDSA veterinary surgeon, Elaine Pendlebury, said: “It is always sad to see a seriously injured pet. Kitty’s injuries were absolutely horrendous, and among the worst we have ever seen.

“While it is difficult to determine the exact cause, or whether it has been done deliberately, the injuries could have been caused by a stick or similar pointed object.

“Kitty received very intensive treatment and care, and we are very pleased she is recovering well.”

Janet added: “I’m going to inform the police. I’m distressed. She was my baby. I can’t believe someone could be that sick to do that to an animal.

“She was eight weeks when I got her. She’s very loving, quite playful and friendly towards us.

“The clinic are saying they are hopeful but she is not out of the woods yet.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the RSPCA on 0300 123 4999.