A PET cat suffered severe injuries to its tail and face in an apparent attack just outside its Malvern home.

Harley, a six-year-old black-and-white female cat, arrived home on Saturday morning with her tail hanging off, cuts to her face and missing teeth.

Owner Roseanne Jones, of Elgar Avenue, said: “My daughter Christine Hopcutt was the first to see her and she was horrified.

“Her tail was just hanging on by a piece of skin and she had blood all over her face.”

The family rushed Harley to a local vet, who said the injuries were probably the result of an attack by a person and were not consistent with a road traffic accident.

The vet believes the cat was swung around by her tail and hit or kicked in the head.

As well as losing teeth, Harley lost most of her tail and is recovering at home on antibiotics and strong painkillers.

She is said to be depressed after the attack and still in pain.

Mrs Jones said: “How anyone could do something like this is beyond me. It’s sickening.”

She said the attack must have happened at about 9.30am, as Harley had been in the house a few minutes before.

She said: “There were bloodstains outside our gate, so it must have happened very close by.”

RSPCA animal welfare officer Suzie Smith, who is investigating, said: “It would appear that Harley has suffered an horrific attack, leaving her with lasting damage.

"To deliberately inflict such pain and distress on an animal is beyond belief and we appeal to anyone with information to please get in touch.

"I am keen to hear from anyone who witnessed anything suspicious or who knows how Harley came home so badly injured.”

Anyone with information should call the RSPCA cruelty line on 0300 1234999, leaving a message for AWO Smith.