A CAT was left in agony for a week with a serious injury even though its owner had been warned to seek veterinary help, magistrates heard.

Neighbours warned Sharon Ann Colvin, 28, that her two-year-old tabby cat, which had a prolapsed rectum, needed treatment, the Reedley court was told.

But the RSPCA was alerted and an inspector discovered that the animal had been left in severe discomfort for nearly a week, magistrates heard.

The cat had to be destroyed, because of the extent of its injuries.

Vets believed if treated sooner, the cat might have been saved.

Christopher Wyatt, for the RSPCA, said an inspector visited Colvin’s home in Mason Street, Colne, and saw two cats through a window.

One appeared alert but the other was still and looked disinterested.

Near one of the cats, the inspector saw brown marks on the wall which looked like bloodstains.

Another inspector visited five days later and spoke to Colvin.

She was asked why she had not taken the cat to a vet and replied that she could not afford it.

The cat was taken to Stanley House vets in Colne and found to be underweight and had fleas.

The court heard the cat was also suffering mild dehydration.

Interviewed by an inspector, Colvin said she had owned the cat for seven months and claimed she was going to take it to a vet when the charity intervened.

Mr Wyatt said: “Any reasonable owner would have sought veterinary help.”

Colvin admitted causing unnecessary suffering to the tabby in June this year and was banned from keeping dogs and cats for two years.

She must also pay £150 towards the RSPCA’s prosecution costs and £100 of the vets bills.

Bill Berry, defending, said: “Miss Colvin is very upset about appearing before the court. She is embarrassed, upset and ashamed at the circumstances and is remorseful for her actions.”

The court heard the defendant did not realise the RSPCA could have assisted with the costs.

Magistrates gave seven days for the second cat to be rehomed.