The RSPCA is appealing for information after an injured cat had to have her hip joint and tail removed.

Cheeky, a female black adult cat, was found staggering and dragging her back leg at her home in Old Rectory Drive, Hatfield, on Thursday, December 4.

She was taken to a vet who said the injuries were consistent with an attack such as a kick rather than a road traffic accident. The damage was so bad that Cheeky had to have her hip joint and tail amputated.

RSPCA animal collection officer Kate Wright said: "This poor cat was clearly in a lot of pain. She cried every time we went near her leg or hip area.

"It is hard to say for sure what happened, and we can’t rule out a road traffic accident, but the vet said the injuries were consistent with some kind of attack. He said it seemed most probable that the damage was caused by the impact of an upwards kick which dislocated the hip and then had a knock-on damage to the tail. 

"We urge anyone with any information about what might have happened to contact us on 0300 123 8018.

"We would also like to remind people that it is an offence under the law, as well as being morally unacceptable, to attack an animal and cause him or her pain and suffering.

"Luckily Cheeky seems to have made a  good recovery and is coping well without her tail or hip, but she will obviously bear these scars for the rest of her life."