A FAMILY are concerned their pet cat could die after being kicked by a thug. The Thomas family, who live in Ferrars Avenue, St Neots, became concerned for the health of their cat, Molly, when she returned home unwell. Molly was taken to the vet where the

A FAMILY are concerned their pet cat could die after being kicked by a thug.

The Thomas family, who live in Ferrars Avenue, St Neots, became concerned for the health of their cat, Molly, when she returned home unwell.

Molly was taken to the vet where the family, which faces vet bills of more than £500 to treat her extensive injuries, was told their cat had been kicked.

Stewart Tomas told The Hunts Post that his wife, Wendy, and family had been greatly upset by the attack, particularly his children Kirsty, 19, Lisa, 17, and Craig, 14.

Mr Thomas, 41, said: "Molly went out as usual on Sunday (January 13) but when she returned it was obvious something was wrong.

"We took her to the vet and after examining her they told us she had been kicked. It's hard to believe that someone would do that to our cat."

Molly, who is 10-years-old, had bruising under her stomach and extensive damage to her liver and kidneys.

Her injuries were so severe that it looked as if Molly may have to be put down.

Three days of treatment at Cromwell Veternary surgery in Huntingdon have seen Molly's health improve, but the cat is still being monitored by vets.

Mrs Tomas, 41, added: "All that is physically wrong with Molly is some bruising and swelling around her stomach where she was kicked but she is a changed cat.

"It is horrible and must have been very traumatic for her.

"She isn't the sort of cat to just come up to you, so it is awful to think that someone called her over to them and then kicked her."

Nigel Belgrove, a partner at Cromwell Veternary Surgery, said: "It is possible she might have fallen onto a fence post but it is very rare for cats to do that so it seems most likely that she has been kicked."

Sophie Wilkinson, from the RSPCA eastern region, said: "Because cats are often out on their own sometimes people think they are fair game and we hear of a lot being shot by air rifles.

"Any form of cruelty to animals is against the law and can carry up to a six-month prison sentence."

INFORMATION: Anyone concerned about cruelty to animals should contact the RSPCA on 08705 555 999.